Iran rules out improved relations with Egypt for now

Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi on Wednesday ruled out any "immediate improvement" in relations between Iran and Egypt.

The Iranian News Agency, IRNA, reported that Kharazi said recent statements by Egyptian officials were disappointing and a repetition of their past position, adding that the Egyptian leaders are ignoring the realities of Islamic Iran, and that they still do not have the necessary political will.

He said that Egypt is in need of new initiatives towards Iran.

Iranian President Muhammad Khatami called for "normalization" of relations with Egypt and the need to settle disputes between Cairo and Tehran.