Architect of Peace: Iran’s Pivotal Role in Stabilizing Sudan and Yemen

Architect of Peace: Iran’s Pivotal Role in Stabilizing Sudan and Yemen

By: H. Zaïm-Bashi


The intricate nexus between the conflicts in Sudan and Yemen unfolds along a map of shifting alliances, where political and geographic intricacies render the strife in Sudan a direct extension of the war in Yemen. During Omar al-Bashir’s tenure, two Sudani generals dispatched forces to quell unrest in Yemen. These very forces, having returned from that tumultuous theater, are now embroiled in internecine battles within Sudan itself—a struggle that not only pits erstwhile comrades against one another but also leaves ordinary citizens bereft of essential resources such as water and functioning hospitals, mirroring the dire circumstances in Yemen.



In this challenging milieu, Iran emerges as an indispensable strategic ally. The nation’s resolute support in Yemen now extends to Sudan, offering a stabilizing influence amid widespread hardship. The diplomatic landscape shifted dramatically in January 2016 when the burning of the Saudi embassy in Tehran precipitated a cascade of severed ties. Saudi Arabia led the charge by cutting diplomatic relations with Iran, a move soon emulated by Bahrain, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, the Maldives, and Comoros—all aligning with Riyadh’s stance. Notably, Sudan closed its Iranian embassy and expelled the Iranian ambassador. Yet, in a remarkable turn of events emblematic of Iran’s enduring diplomatic prowess, relations between Iran and Sudan were restored in February 2024—eight years after that rupture and following the successful normalization of Iranian-Saudi ties under Chinese auspices.



Iran’s renewed engagement in Sudan is underpinned by a constellation of strategic imperatives:

• Bolstering National Sovereignty: Iran stands firmly with the government and people of Sudan, committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereign rights.

• Neutralizing Destabilizing Forces: By weakening the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces—once engaged in combat against the Yemeni People’s Army under UAE directives—Iran curtails threats not only to Sudan but also to Yemen’s military stability.

• Curtailing External Influence: Iran endeavors to diminish the Emirates’ pervasive influence in both Sudan and Yemen—a maneuver perceived as serving the interests of the Israeli regime by attempting to dominate the Yemeni Transitional Council and undermine allied militias, thereby jeopardizing control over the strategically vital Red Sea.

• Recalibrating Regional Alliances: Removing Sudan from the ambit of the Israeli regime’s normalization strategy is paramount to reasserting regional independence and autonomy.

• Preserving National Wealth: By thwarting attempts by both the Israeli regime and the Emirates to seize Sudanese gold, Iran addresses a critical economic dimension that has long galvanized international and regional interventions.



Recent high-level consultations have further cemented this visionary alliance. Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Yusuf Ahmed Al-Sharif’s visit to Tehran culminated in a pivotal meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. In a press conference marked by clarity and resolve, Minister Araqchi affirmed Iran’s unwavering support for the Sudanese government and its armed forces in their struggle against insurgent elements. He contended that resolving Sudan’s multifaceted challenges necessitates an end to pernicious foreign interference and the institution of a robust national dialogue. Furthermore, he outlined the Joint Economic Commission’s initiatives, which envisage the active participation of Iranian companies in rebuilding Sudan’s war-damaged infrastructure—an endeavor that promises reciprocal economic benefits through enhanced trade and the anticipated resumption of Iranian flights carrying vital weaponry and equipment, including components essential for the operation of the Muhajir-6 drones, destined for Port Sudan.



This confluence of diplomatic acumen and strategic foresight underscores a singular truth: the crises in Sudan and Yemen are inextricably linked, bound by common adversaries and shared aspirations for self-determination. Iran’s proactive engagement not only fortifies these nations against external coercion but also champions a unified vision of sovereignty, stability, and regional progress.