Rabat – In a speech delivered in Fez on Sunday, Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary General of Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD), reaffirmed his support for Morocco in any bilateral dispute with Iran, while also voicing religious solidarity with Tehran in its confrontation with Israel.
The former head of government attempted to walk a political tightrope, blending patriotism with pan-Islamic rhetoric as he responded to widespread criticism over his recent pro-Iran statements.
Benkirane, known for his conservative base and populist tone, clarified that he stands with Morocco “against any hostile power,” including Iran, but only if a direct conflict arises between the two countries.
“Tensions between Iran and Morocco are not bilateral,” he argued. “Iran is currently engaged in a broader geopolitical standoff with Israel, which is backed by the United States.”
Despite Iran’s long-standing support for Morocco’s regional rivals, including the Polisario Front and its main ally Algeria, Benkirane insisted his support towards Iran stems from religious grounds.
“We disagree with Iran’s doctrinal positions and theological innovations,” he said, “but we support them in the name of Islam because they raise the Islamic banner and stand with the Palestinian cause.”
Benkirane’s remarks came with a heavy dose of religious rhetoric, positioning Israel as a “criminal regime” built on “civilian killings, blockades, and starvation.” He asserted that Israel has “no future in the region,” likening its eventual downfall to the expulsion of the Mongols, Crusaders, and colonial powers from Muslim lands.
While reaffirming his staunch opposition to re-igniting diplomatic ties with Israel, the PJD leader warned: “If you believe eliminating Iran or Hamas will solve your problem, you are delusional. The Ummah has over two billion people.”
