Iran has been attempting to persuade Syria to cancel the flour-for-rice deal it has concluded between it and Egypt, which is suffering from a severe bread shortage.
The pressure comes in response to Egypt's refusal to normalize relations with Iran; to its protest against Iranian intervention in Lebanon, in Iraq, and, recently, in Sudan; and to the Egyptian media's criticism of Iran. +
It was reported that Iranian presidential advisor and Industry and Mines minister Ali Akbar Mehrabian is behind the move.
Syria has refused to comply with Iran's pressure.
An Iranian paper reported that UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Daid Al-Nahian has decided to purchise millions of tons of wheat and to give it to Egypt as a gift.
Source: Al-Masryoon, Egypt, May 18, 2008, Al-Vefagh, Iran, May 19, 2008
