Sudan’s leader, Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, received Iran’s ambassador and sent Sudan’s envoy to Tehran, marking the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations after an eight-year hiatus. This significant rapprochement, initiated in July 2023, has now been formalized with the appointment of the two ambassadors.
The diplomatic break between Sudan and Iran dates back to 2016, when Sudan severed ties in solidarity with Saudi Arabia following the attack on the Saudi embassy in Iran. This incident was itself a reaction to the execution of a prominent Shia cleric in Riyadh. However, the geopolitical landscape has shifted considerably since then.
The reconciliation between Riyadh and Tehran in March 2023 set a precedent for other regional nations to reestablish relations with Iran. Furthermore, the ongoing war in Sudan, which began on April 15th, 2023, compelled Khartoum to reassess its regional alliances, especially given the involvement of various regional forces alongside the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group led by General Hemedti.
The initial step towards renewed ties between Sudan and Iran occurred in July 2023, when the foreign ministers of both countries met on the sidelines of a Non-Aligned Movement meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. This engagement culminated in an official announcement in October 2023, declaring the resumption of diplomatic relations.
This restored relationship holds strategic significance for both nations. For Tehran, it represents an opportunity to expand its influence in the region and secure a foothold in the Red Sea area. For Khartoum, the alliance provides crucial support, including military supplies such as drones, to bolster its forces against the RSF advances.