Sudan’s army-controlled Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq met with Iranian President Ibrahim Raeisi on Monday, signifying the first high-level visit to Iran by a Sudanese official since the severance of diplomatic ties between the two nations in 2016.
After a seven-year break, diplomatic ties were reinstated in October 2023, following extensive high-level discussions between the two nations. Mutual consent led to the reopening of embassies and the initiation of delegations to explore potential areas of collaboration.
Sadiq held discussions with President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, as reported by the official Iranian news agency (IRNA).
Sadiq expressed regret for the severed relations and updated the Abdollahian on Sudan’s ongoing conflict, highlighting the president’s efforts for a peaceful resolution with support from neighboring countries and the United Nations.
Sudanese official condemned the “autocratic Zionist regime,” holding it responsible for crises in Sudan, and reiterated unwavering Iranian support for the Palestinian cause.
Sudan cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2016, closing the Hussainiyat halls and Iranian Cultural Mission.
Sudan also accused Iran of seeking to spread the Shia sect in the country.
Recent reports suggest a shortage of weapons for the Sudanese army in the conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), motivating the decision to restore relations.
The RSF claimed last week to have downed an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drone, the third such incident, alleging military use.
In 2012, Sudan faced accusations of smuggling Iranian weapons to Hamas, leading to an Israeli raid on alleged smugglers in Sudanese territory.
The Yarmouk Military Industries Complex was bombed, with then-Israeli Defense Minister Amos Gilad labeling Sudan as a “terrorist state” facilitating the transfer of Iranian weapons to Hamas and Islamic Jihad through Egypt.
