A diplomatic delegation from Iran held undisclosed meetings in Port Sudan with General al-Burhan’s army (SAF) leadership and figures linked to Sudan’s Islamist movement, according to informed sources.
The delegation reportedly arrived in eastern Sudan on Sunday via two separate routes through Asian countries, before attending a closed-door meeting under tight security at the residence of a senior Islamist figure.
Sources said the meeting was attended by Iran’s chargé d’affaires in Sudan, Mohammad Hassan Khairi, along with several Sudanese political figures, including Ahmed Haroun, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
According to the sources, the Iranian delegation delivered a message from Tehran’s leadership praising Sudan’s stance during the recent escalation involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran, and expressing a desire to expand strategic ties with the Port Sudan-based authorities.
The discussions reportedly included plans to revive previously signed military cooperation agreements, as well as accelerate steps toward establishing an Iranian naval facility on Sudan’s Red Sea coast.
The proposed base, sources said, would be located in the Osif area of Red Sea State, building on earlier understandings reached in February 2025 between the two countries’ foreign ministers.
Both sides also discussed the potential role of the project in strengthening regional security and safeguarding maritime routes, amid rising tensions in the region, with a shared interest in deepening military cooperation and signing further agreements.
In a related development, sources indicated that the issue of a long-discussed Russian naval base in Port Sudan was also revisited during the talks. The project, which has been under negotiation for years, could grant Moscow access to naval facilities, including the deployment of warships and troops, in exchange for military and technical support to General al-Burhan’s army.
Sources added that Islamist figures within the Port Sudan authorities view a decisive outcome in the ongoing conflict as key to advancing such partnerships, potentially expanding Iranian and Russian strategic presence along the Red Sea and enhancing maritime monitoring and intelligence capabilities.
No official statements have been issued by either side regarding the reported meetings.
