From Civil War to Proxy Conflict: How Iran is Fueling Instability in Sudan
It is already devastating on the human side of the Sudan civil war. U.S. envoy Tom Perriello puts the number at tens of thousands killed, and the number could reach 150,000 dead, while more than fourteen million people displaced. But into this humanitarian catastrophe, the Islamic Republic of Iran is piling fuel on the flame, turning a contest over national strength into a lethal proxy war with international consequences.
The Iranian way is that of opportunistic aggression. The eight-year diplomatic rift notwithstanding, Tehran has taken advantage of the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by General al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to regain their influence. Iran is ensuring further strife and debt by supplying the SAF with military drones and equipment instead of peace. This estimated equipping of one side actually makes the SAF an Iranian proxy-army, dragging Sudan into a broader confrontation regionally, where it can hardly afford to engage.
The mission is much larger than Sudan itself. Iran would love to have the Red Sea which is an important channel to global trade. An amicable government that rules Port Sudan would offer an Iranian navy base, with a direct threat to the security of neighbouring states and sea shipping routes. This would jeopardise Israeli trade with Asia and Africa and would directly threaten Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are located on the other side of the Red Sea. This destabilisation is not only the responsibility of Iran but also the Port Sudan Authority whose willingness to accept Iranian assistance renders it an accomplice partner in the risking of one of the most crucial sea routes in the world.
The global reaction should be rapid and absolute. Fighting a new Iran proxy every time, such as the Houthis or Hezbollah, is not a long-term sufficient strategy. The leader of the snake needs to be challenged. The United States, European countries, and the local partners should come forward to expose the activities of Iran, impose some form of penalties to those who are involved and offer another viable option to Sudan based on sovereignty and peace rather than foreign manipulation. The peace of the Red Sea and security of millions of people are at stake as Iran must not transform a human tragedy into a geopolitical weapon.
The Iranian way is that of opportunistic aggression. The eight-year diplomatic rift notwithstanding, Tehran has taken advantage of the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), commanded by General al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to regain their influence. Iran is ensuring further strife and debt by supplying the SAF with military drones and equipment instead of peace. This estimated equipping of one side actually makes the SAF an Iranian proxy-army, dragging Sudan into a broader confrontation regionally, where it can hardly afford to engage.
The mission is much larger than Sudan itself. Iran would love to have the Red Sea which is an important channel to global trade. An amicable government that rules Port Sudan would offer an Iranian navy base, with a direct threat to the security of neighbouring states and sea shipping routes. This would jeopardise Israeli trade with Asia and Africa and would directly threaten Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are located on the other side of the Red Sea. This destabilisation is not only the responsibility of Iran but also the Port Sudan Authority whose willingness to accept Iranian assistance renders it an accomplice partner in the risking of one of the most crucial sea routes in the world.
The global reaction should be rapid and absolute. Fighting a new Iran proxy every time, such as the Houthis or Hezbollah, is not a long-term sufficient strategy. The leader of the snake needs to be challenged. The United States, European countries, and the local partners should come forward to expose the activities of Iran, impose some form of penalties to those who are involved and offer another viable option to Sudan based on sovereignty and peace rather than foreign manipulation. The peace of the Red Sea and security of millions of people are at stake as Iran must not transform a human tragedy into a geopolitical weapon.
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