Morocco: Growing support for Iran despite persistent doubts, according to Arab Barometer

A recent survey by Arab Barometer, published on Monday, revealed that 35% of Moroccans support Iran’s foreign policies, compared to 23% before the October 7, 2023, war in Gaza. This number highlights a significant shift in national public opinion.

Indeed, this change occurs in a regional context where support for Iranian policies has significantly increased. In Palestine, it has risen from 21% in 2023 to 36% in 2025. In Morocco, it has evolved from 23% to 35% over the same period. In Tunisia, it has increased from 32% to 49%, and in Iraq from 37% to 48%. Furthermore, the figures remain stable in Jordan at 19% and decrease in Lebanon, dropping from 32% to 29%.

For Morocco, this trend contrasts with the ongoing mistrust of Iran’s role in the region. According to the survey, 41% of Moroccans consider Iranian influence to be a serious threat. The kingdom is among the countries that remain cautious regarding Tehran.

Persistent Doubts

The results show that the Moroccan position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict influences these changes. In fact, 63% of Moroccans perceive the occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel as a serious threat, reflecting a regional trend that is less pronounced elsewhere.

Despite this, Moroccans remain reserved about Iran’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. Only 18% believe that Iran truly defends the rights of Palestinians, one of the lowest rates recorded in the survey.

These data reveal a delicate balance in Moroccan public opinion between increasing support for certain aspects of Iranian foreign policy, particularly after the conflict in Gaza, and persistent skepticism regarding regional influence.

Overall, Morocco accuses Iran of supporting the Polisario Front through its regional allies, particularly the Lebanese Hezbollah, operating from the Iranian embassy in Algeria. These accusations led to the breakdown of diplomatic relations, as announced by Rabat on May 1, 2018. Since then, the kingdom’s embassy in Tehran has been closed.