Former Israeli ambassador to Egypt Haim Koren revealed that General Abdel Fattah al Burhan’s team requested weapons from Israel two years ago as a preparation for Sudan’s civil war.
Koren said the leaders warned, “If you don’t help us, we will go to the devil,” threatening to seek other allies.
Israel’s refusal, he added, led Port Sudan forces to renew ties with Iran immediately after the October 7, 2023 attack.
The diplomat described Israel-Sudan normalization as a strategic choice, noting Sudan’s gateway position to Africa and control of vital trade routes.
He warned that Tel Aviv’s denial allowed Iran to strengthen its Red Sea foothold, providing safe haven for arms shipments.
Sudan’s 530-mile coastline, Koren said, remains free from U.S. and Israeli naval pressure, bolstering Houthi capabilities against international shipping.
Observers noted Israel’s rejection drove Port Sudan forces into Tehran’s embrace, restoring Sudan as a hub for Iranian influence in the region.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, an Iran specialist, told the Washington Times that Tehran is rebuilding African networks, with Sudan as a key component.
The Israeli Institute for National Security Studies warned Sudan could again serve as a transit point for Iranian weapons to Hamas and Hezbollah.
Iran-Sudan relations flourished under ousted President Omar al-Bashir in the 1990s and 2000s, facilitating weapons smuggling to Gaza and other groups.
After ties were severed in 2016, Koren said relations resumed post-October 2023 to boost Tehran’s influence in the Horn of Africa.
Research cited by the newspaper showed Iran supplied Port Sudan forces with advanced Mohajer-6 drones and Ababil-3s, while weekly cargo flights fueled ongoing fighting.
