Somalia: The Only Country Aligned with Neither Israel nor Iran

As tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, many countries find themselves drawn into opposing geopolitical camps. In this increasingly polarized environment, Somalia holds a uniquely rare position: it is one of the few countries that maintains diplomatic relations with neither Israel nor Iran.

Somalia–Israel: Zero Contact, Ideological Rejection

Somalia is among the 27 Muslim-majority countries that do not recognize Israel. However, what makes Somalia distinct is its complete lack of any diplomatic interaction with Tel Aviv. After the 1967 war, Somalia aligned itself with broader pan-Arab solidarity, firmly rejecting relations with Israel—a position that remains unchanged, even as several Arab and African nations have normalized ties with Tel Aviv in recent years.

Israeli attempts to establish covert ties with the breakaway region of “Somaliland” have further soured any prospects of future relations. In Mogadishu’s view, Israel is perceived not only as a foreign policy rival but also as a threat to national unity. Rumored Israeli radar installations in Bosaso since 2023 and covert intelligence links have only deepened Somali distrust.

Somalia–Iran: Diplomatic Freeze, Security Concerns

Somalia severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016 during the Saudi-Iran dispute. Standing in solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Somalia shut down Iranian cultural centers and expelled Iranian diplomats.

But the issue goes beyond sectarianism. Iran’s ambition to expand Shiite influence in East Africa is seen by Somalia as destabilizing. Additionally, Somalia is increasingly wary of Iran’s use of proxy actors—such as the Houthis—to disrupt maritime security in the Red Sea. As a result, Mogadishu considers Iran a regional security threat.

Neutrality or Sovereign Independence?

Somalia’s simultaneous refusal to engage diplomatically with either Israel or Iran sets it apart in both the Arab and African spheres. While Gulf nations normalize with Israel and others maintain ties with Iran, Somalia remains outside both spheres of influence.

This stance is not geopolitical isolation but a clear assertion of sovereignty. Somalia’s strategic partnerships—with countries like Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan—provide Mogadishu with alternative alliances, allowing it to remain neutral in the Israel–Iran conflict while strengthening its regional position.

A Target for Both?

This independent stance may draw the ire of both powers. Israel reportedly conducts intelligence operations through Somaliland and Bosaso, while Iran uses Houthi-aligned forces to exert pressure along the Red Sea. Somalia’s neutral status does not exempt it from being a battleground for covert influence.

In fact, it elevates Somalia from a country to be ignored to one that must be pulled into orbit—by persuasion or pressure.

Conclusion: Independence Worth Defending

Somalia’s decision to steer clear of both Israel and Iran is not a diplomatic vacuum—it is a deliberate, strategic stance. Remaining outside this geopolitical tug-of-war helps Somalia focus on internal stability and national development. But this neutrality requires strong, reliable alliances elsewhere.

Deeper cooperation with Turkey, Qatar, and Pakistan can help Somalia preserve this rare position—independent, sovereign, and principled—in a region increasingly divided.