Alerts

Are Iran and Sudan Renewing Their Ties?

Israel is concerned about the rapprochement between Iran and Sudan. The United States should be, too.
Share this
The Iranian Navy transport ship Kharg visited Port Sudan in October 2012 and was welcomed by Sudanese sailors
The Iranian Navy transport ship Kharg visited Port Sudan in October 2012 and was welcomed by Sudanese sailors. The Kharg, Iran’s largest ship at the time, sank in 2021 in the Persian Gulf after a suspicious fire. (Sudan Tribune)

Table of Contents

Israel is closely monitoring the growing ties between Iran and Sudan, a development that raises concerns among senior political officials in Jerusalem due to its potential implications for the situation following the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip and Iran’s expanding presence in the Red Sea region.

There is a pressing need for strategic cooperation between Israel and the United States to address this issue effectively.

Sudan, a signatory to the Abraham Accords, established normalization of relations with Israel on October 20, 2020, in a joint statement issued by the United States, Sudan, and Israel.

However, recent developments have raised alarms in Jerusalem regarding Sudan’s renewed engagement with Iran. Following the outbreak of conflict in the Gaza Strip, Sudan resumed diplomatic ties with Iran.

Map of Sudan
Sudan is located on the Red Sea coast. (CIA)

This move marks a significant shift from Sudan’s previous stance when it severed relations with Iran in 2016 and aligned itself with the moderate Sunni axis opposing Iran.

The internal instability in Sudan is now driving it toward Iran. President Abdel Fatah Al-Burhan, heading the interim government of Sudan, announced the renewal of diplomatic relations with Iran on October 9, 2023, just two days after a terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip.

Sources close to President Al-Burhan suggest that his decision was driven by the desire to secure weapons support, especially in light of the backing received by his political rival, Vice President Muhammad Hamdan Daglu, also known as “Hamidati,” who previously commanded the Rapid Intervention Force.

It’s All About Weapons and Drones

Initially expecting support from Israel for weapons procurement, Sudan turned to Iran when such assistance did not materialize.

This development is particularly concerning for Israel, as Sudan historically served as a crucial transit point for Iranian weapons destined for Hamas in the Gaza Strip via Sudan and Egypt.

Beyond the implications for normalization with an Arab partner, Sudan’s renewed ties with Iran pose a significant threat.

Israel faces challenges regarding the occupation of the Rafah area and the “Philadelphia Corridor,” a key smuggling route from Egypt to the Gaza Strip, which facilitated the transfer of Iranian weapons via Sudan to Hamas.

Disarming the Gaza Strip is a crucial objective in the ongoing conflict, integral to dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. Israel must prevent the influx of weapons into the Gaza Strip following its military operations in the region.

This issue should also concern the United States. The Biden administration and Egypt and Saudi Arabia support President Al-Burhan, while Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Eritrea, and forces loyal to General Haftar in Libya back his opponent, Muhammad Hamdan Daglu (Hamidati).

Iran, leading the so-called “axis of evil,” has now secured Sudan’s alignment with its interests. President Al-Burhan, eager for arms support, may be inclined to sever ties with the United States and Israel to procure weapons from Iran.

Reports reaching the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem indicate that Iran has begun supplying President Al-Burhan’s forces, weakened by the ongoing civil war, with armed “Mohajir 6” UAVs. Bloomberg news agency also reported on this development in January of this year.1

Mohammad Hamdan Daglu’s future stance toward Iran may depend on his victory in Sudan’s internal power struggle.

While Israel remains uninvolved in Sudan’s internal dynamics, its strategic location and past ties with Hamas raise concerns. Sudan rejected Iran’s request to establish a naval base on the Red Sea shores this year but may succumb to pressure in the future.

Thus, Israel’s participation in the new U.S. coalition forged by the Biden administration becomes increasingly vital to counter the dangerous trajectory of Sudan-Iran relations.

* * *

Notes

  1. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-01-24/iran-supplies-sudan-army-with-drones-as-civil-war-continues↩︎

Yoni Ben Menachem

Yoni Ben Menachem, a veteran Arab affairs and diplomatic commentator for Israel Radio and Television, is a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center. He served as Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
Share this

Subscribe to Daily Alert

The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

Related Items

Stay Informed, Always

Get the latest news, insights, and updates directly in your inbox—be the first to know!

Subscribe to Jerusalem Issue Briefs
The Daily Alert – Israel news digest appears every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.







Notifications

The Jerusalem Center
What makes a child believe killing a #Jew is justified?

In PA textbooks, Jews are called liars and frauds; their fate: elimination. This is #indoctrination—not #education. But change is happening. On East to West, @IMPACT_SE CEO Marcus Sheff exposes how #UNRWA-funded schools are fueling extremism—and what real reform looks like.  Listen now on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/2JHqh973U  Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/8OkJTGNfVUc

11:43am
The Jerusalem Center
Highlights from the @Jerusalem_Post Annual Conference in NYC:

Dr. @Dan_Diker, President of the JCFA: “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel — it was a blow to the U.S. on Israeli soil. It demands moral clarity and a united front between Israel and the U.S. to defeat jihadist terror.”

2:20pm
The Jerusalem Center
@XAVIAERD says it like it is

Well, @XAVIAERD says it like it is: If you’re part of “#Queers for #Palestine,” he’ll pay for your flight to #Gaza. Go see for yourself how they treat LGBTQ+ people over there. Don’t miss this bold take on the Israel-Hamas war and the woke right.

2:32pm
The Jerusalem Center
“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.”

“This isn’t Israel vs. Hamas — it’s the frontline of the free world.” On Our Middle East by @JNS_org, @Dan_Diker@KhaledAbuToameh (JCFA/@GatestoneInst) break it down: If Hamas isn’t crushed, Iran wins. The jihadis—from #Gaza to your campus—get the green light. Diker: “This war is for the West.” No fluff. No filters. Just raw insight from two insiders who actually know what’s going on.  Watch: youtu.be/4Aq_zcbb4Yo

2:15pm
The Jerusalem Center
5/5 Lt. Col. Kalo on East to West with @smartinezamir:

“This operation showcases Israel’s strategic intelligence superiority both regionally and globally. It demonstrates the moral commitment to recovered soldiers and also strengthens Israel’s position with allies.” youtube.com/watch?v=nIvNNi

2:07pm
The Jerusalem Center
4/5 The operation built on intelligence gathered during the 2019 #Baumel recovery

#Mossad agents operated under cover in #Syria for years, visiting a graveyard multiple times under fire to collect remains for DNA matching. The intelligence community’s evolution combines technology, big data analysis, and human intelligence capabilities.

2:02pm
The Jerusalem Center
3/5 This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander

This recovery coincided with the release of Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from #Hamas in #Gaza, significantly boosting national morale amid an ongoing conflict now stretching over 18 months. The dual successes demonstrate #Israel‘s unwavering commitment to bringing all soldiers home.

1:58pm
The Jerusalem Center
2/5 The operation used the power vacuum following #Assad’s fall from #Damascus

Lt. Col. Avi Kalo, former head of IDF Prisoners & Missing Persons Division, calls it “an outstanding event that brings hope and new spirit to the people of Israel.” The operation utilized the power vacuum following #Assad‘s fall from #Damascus, allowing #Israeli intelligence to deploy ground capabilities in #Syria.

1:56pm
The Jerusalem Center
1/5 Israeli forces recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi Feldman

In an unprecedented operation, Israeli forces have recovered the remains of Sergeant First Class Zvi #Feldman, missing since the 1982 Battle of Sultan Yacoub. The complex #Mossad mission was conducted deep within #Syrian territory, 43 years after his disappearance. This follows the successful 2019 recovery of Zachary #Baumel from the same battle.

1:54pm
The Jerusalem Center
A molotov attack on a bus = a “barbecue party”?

That’s what #Palestinian kids are being taught under @UNRWA  — from grade school to graduation. This isn’t education. It’s indoctrination. Marcus Sheff of @IMPACT_SE  breaks it down with @smartinezamir

12:51pm

Close