Sudan rejects Iran’s bid for Red Sea naval base

February 3, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – Iran’s attempt to establish a permanent naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast was rejected, highlighting the complex power dynamics at play in the war-torn East African country, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.

According to a senior Sudanese intelligence official, Iran offered Sudan advanced weaponry, including a helicopter-carrying warship, in exchange for permission to build the base.

The official, Ahmed Hassan Mohamed, stated that the base would have allowed Iran to “gather intelligence” and “station warships” near the vital Suez Canal and Israel.

Sudan, however, declined the offer, citing concerns about potentially alienating the United States and Israel, with whom the country has recently sought to improve relations.

While Iran’s request was denied, it underscores the strategic importance of Sudan, particularly its Red Sea coastline, for regional powers.

The ongoing civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created a vacuum, attracting the attention of various countries vying for influence in the region.

Sudan’s military has utilized Iranian-supplied explosive drones to combat the RSF in the conflict, which has resulted in widespread human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates is accused by the Sudanese government of supplying weapons to the RSF. But UAE officials denied these accusations. The Wall Street Journal reported that Egypt trained Sudanese troops and provided drones.

The rejection of Iran’s base request and the involvement of other regional actors highlight Sudan’s complex and volatile situation.

Sudanese government officials balm Washington for turning blind eye on the UAE support to the RSF saying that Biden administration has first to curb UAE support before saying something about their limited military cooperation with Iran.

Last February, former U.S. Ambassador to Sudan, John Godfrey, expressed concern about Iranian arms shipments to the Sudanese army.

(ST)