In a recent development, General Burhan’s Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) have declined an Iranian proposal to station a permanent military ship in Port Sudan in exchange for ongoing military aid in their conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Iran’s request to deploy a helicopter carrier in Port Sudan was part of ongoing defense cooperation talks between the two nations. Despite the rejection from Burhan’s administration, sources indicate that Iran continues to supply drones to Sudan.
Efforts by Sudanese Islamist leaders with connections to Iran to mediate an agreement have not succeeded. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has promised “unrestricted qualitative military aid” to General Burhan, which may include the deployment of Russian forces.
High-level coordination between Russia and Iran aims to supply Burhan’s forces with drones, heavy artillery ammunition, and aircraft missiles as SAF faces critical shortages.
Sudan’s refusal to grant Iran a permanent naval base in Port Sudan is reportedly due to concerns about reactions from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Western countries. Iran’s revised proposal for a dual-use commercial and military port was also rejected.
Despite these rejections, Iran’s military support for Sudan is evident, with drone supplies commencing shortly after diplomatic relations were restored in early 2023.
Past discussions between Sudan and Russia about acquiring SU-30 and SU-35 fighter jets have stalled due to new conditions regarding a Russian base in Port Sudan. However, Burhan’s second-in-command, Yasir Al-Atta, announced in May that military and economic agreements with Russia are still in the works and progressing rapidly.