The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Sudan has turned down Iran’s proposal to establish a lasting naval base on its Red Sea coast, underscoring the intricate power dynamics in the conflict-ridden East African nation.
Sources reveal that Iran offered Sudan advanced weaponry, including a helicopter-carrying warship, in exchange for permission to construct the naval base. Ahmed Hassan Mohamed, a senior Sudanese intelligence official, explained that the proposed base would have enabled Iran to “gather intelligence” and “station warships” near the strategically significant Suez Canal and Israel.
Sudan, however, declined the offer, expressing concerns about potentially straining relations with the United States and Israel, both of whom the country has been working to improve ties with recently.
While the rejection of Iran’s request is evident, it underscores the strategic importance of Sudan, particularly its Red Sea coastline, which has become a focal point for regional powers amid the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The conflict has created a power vacuum, drawing the attention of various nations seeking influence in the region. Sudan’s military, in its fight against the RSF, has employed explosive drones supplied by Iran, contributing to widespread human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.
Simultaneously, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) faces accusations from the Sudanese government of supplying weapons to the RSF, though UAE officials vehemently deny these claims. Additionally, Egypt is reported to have trained Sudanese troops and provided drones.
The rejection of Iran’s naval base proposal, coupled with the involvement of other regional actors, further underscores Sudan’s complex and volatile situation. Sudanese government officials criticize Washington for allegedly overlooking UAE support to the RSF, insisting that the Biden administration should address this before commenting on their limited military cooperation with Iran.
Notably, concerns about Iranian arms shipments to the Sudanese army were previously raised by the former US Ambassador to Sudan, John Godfrey, in February of the preceding year.
