Sudan rejects WSJ claims of Iran seeking naval base in Red Sea coast
2 Min Read
In October 2023, Sudan renewed diplomatic relations with Iran, seven years after severing ties in alignment with Saudi Arabia's decision.
-
Traffic moves on a bridge in Sudan's capital Khartoum, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 (AP)
Sudan's Foreign Minister Ali Al-Sadiq rejected media allegations claiming that Sudan received requests from Iran to build a naval base in the country, Sputnik reported on Sunday.
The Wall Street Journal claimed that Iran sought permission from Sudanese authorities to build a permanent naval base on its Red Sea coast. WSJ allegedly quoted a Sudanese intel source as saying that Iran offered to give weapons and arms in exchange for building a naval base in Sudan. But Khartoum reportedly rejected Tehran's proposal to avoid cutting relations with the US and "Israel".
"I read The Wall Street Journal article today, this report is incorrect," Al-Sadiq told Sputnik. "Iran has never asked Sudan to build an Iranian base. I recently visited Iran, and this was not discussed."
In October 2023, Sudan renewed diplomatic relations with Iran, seven years after severing ties in alignment with Saudi Arabia's decision.
Read more: Sudan-Iran end a 7 year ties-break as Sudan's FM visits Iran
The country has been mired in civil wars for years. It is presently dealing with a civil war involving Sudan's Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Hostilities between the two have been ongoing since April 2023.
Sudan's port is presently under the control of Sudan's armed forces, led by Sudanese army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
On February 13, RIA Novosti reported that Russian plans to build a naval base there were postponed due to the political turmoil in the country.
Discussions about constructing a base which have been ongoing for over four years, the report says, were halted due to the Sudanese government's inability to ratify the agreement.
"Due to the dissolution of parliament, the Sudanese side has not yet been able to complete the necessary internal ratification procedures," Andrei Chernovol, Russian Ambassador to Sudan, told RIA Novosti.
Read more: Iranian navy to hold joint naval drills in Indian Ocean with allies
