A power struggle is brewing in the Red Sea, with Iran's attempt to establish a foothold in Sudan raising concerns amongst regional players and the international community. A senior Sudanese intelligence official revealed Iran's unsuccessful efforts to secure permission for a permanent naval base on Sudan's Red Sea coast, offering a glimpse into the complex geopolitical landscape of the region.
According to Ahmad Hasan Mohamed, an intelligence advisor to Sudan's military leader, Iran offered advanced weaponry, including explosive drones and a helicopter carrier warship, in exchange for the base. This strategic base would have allowed Iran to monitor maritime traffic near the Suez Canal and potentially threaten Israel, according to Mohamed. However, Sudan ultimately rejected the proposal, citing concerns about maintaining good relations with the United States and Israel.
The potential establishment of an Iranian naval base would have intensified tensions in the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. This crucial waterway already witnesses attacks on commercial vessels by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, further complicating the situation.
Sudan, strategically located at the crossroads between the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, has witnessed significant shifts in its foreign policy. Following the 2019 ousting of strongman Omar al-Bashir, who maintained close ties with Iran, the current military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has pursued rapprochement with the United States and Israel.
Sudan's ongoing civil war further complicates the regional dynamics. The Sudanese military, led by Burhan, faces off against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by his former deputy. This internal conflict has resulted in widespread human rights violations, raising international concerns.
Iran's supply of explosive drones to the Sudanese military has been met with condemnation from the international community, including the United States and the United Nations. While Sudan maintains that the drones are used for precision strikes and reducing civilian casualties, they have reportedly aided the government in regaining control of some areas from the RSF.
The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly condemned human rights abuses committed by both the Sudanese military and the RSF. Calls for a peaceful resolution to the civil war and respect for human rights continue to be echoed internationally.
The rejection of Iran's base proposal serves as a temporary setback for its regional ambitions. However, the ongoing power struggle in the Red Sea, coupled with Sudan's internal conflict, suggests that the future of this critical region remains uncertain. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, pressing questions remain regarding potential escalation and the path towards a sustainable peace in Sudan.
