WikiLeaks reveals extent of tension between Egypt and Iran – Egyptian General Intelligence Service Chief Omar Suleiman revealed during a conversation with United States Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen that his country was recruiting agents outside its borders in order to counter the Islamic Republic.
Suleiman claimed that Iran was trying to recruit Bedouins to smuggle arms into the Hamas -controlledGaza Strip.
The intelligence chief stressed that Egypt has "started a confrontation with Hezbollah and Iran," adding that they "will not allow Iran to operate in Egypt."
According to Suleiman, Cairo sent a clear message to Tehran that if they interfere in Egypt, Egypt will interfere in Iran .
Iran must "pay the price" for its actions and not be allowed to interfere in regional affairs, he said.
"If you want Egypt to cooperate with you on Iran, we will," Suleiman told Mullen, "it would take a big burden off our shoulders."
Suleiman expressed hope that the United States will "not walk the same track as the Europeans" vis-à-vis negotiations with Iran, and warned against only focusing on
one issue at time, like Iran's nuclear weapons program.
In another leaked document it was reveled that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak said his country might have to develop its own nuclear program.
In a conversation held during the May 2008 World Economic Forum in Sharm el-Sheikh, Mubarak was asked for Egypt's response in case Iran develops nuclear weapons, to which he replied, "No one will accept a nuclear Iran."