Sudanese Islamists Raise the “Banner of Resistance” with Iran

Sudan Events – Agencies

Between “calm and commotion,” the Sudanese pro-army alliance showed varied stances on the war between Israel and Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a brief statement condemning the attack, describing it as a threat to international peace and security, and merely called for urgent measures to halt it— a diplomatic position some described as “balanced.”

However, the Islamic Movement—the Sudanese branch of the Muslim Brotherhood—declared its unconditional support for Iran and called for what it termed “raising the banner of resistance” and forming an “Islamic front” to deter Israel.

According to an official statement signed by Secretary-General Ali Ahmed Karti, the movement announced its unwavering support for Iran against Israel and urged Islamic movements, organizations, and prominent figures in the Muslim world to “break their silence, raise their voices, and mobilize their bases to stand united against this Zionist tyranny.”

It called for “raising the banner of resistance” and forming a “unified Islamic front.” The statement added: “The Zionist entity understands only the language of force. Its project will not be defeated except through the unity of the nation and the efforts of its faithful sons.”

Islamist activists quickly responded to the call and announced their readiness to fight alongside Iran. Leading the charge was the commander of the “Baraa bin Malik Brigades,” which fight alongside the army in its war against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Musbah Talha, who wrote on his Facebook page: “Iran, all support to you, heroes. We stand with you as one.”

The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a brief statement, condemned the aggression against Iran, described it as a serious threat to international peace and security, and urged the United Nations and the Security Council to take urgent measures to immediately halt the Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, the Transitional Sovereignty Council, led by army commander and Israeli ally Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, remained unusually silent in response to such developments.

These varying positions stirred debate among army supporters, advocates for ending the war, and RSF loyalists. Some described the Foreign Ministry’s stance as “balanced,” while others viewed the Islamic Movement’s position as a declaration of “jihad” and a “burden” on Sudan, which is already mired in a forgotten war.

Activist Dr. Azzam Abdullah, followed by tens of thousands, commented in a video clip that the Foreign Ministry’s statement was “balanced, though somewhat stern.” He added: “If I were in charge, I would have remained silent and focused on our internal problems. If compelled to issue a statement, I would have limited it to condemnation and a call for restraint.”

Dr. Abdullah warned of the implications of the Brotherhood’s and jihadist groups’ positions, saying: “The stance of the ‘Kizan’ and the Baraa bin Malik Brigades commander, who is loyal to them, will be attributed to Sudan and will burn its political cards.”

Meanwhile, social media influencer Mohammed Khalifa, known as “Uncle of the Poor,” criticized the Islamists and the brigades’ leader for “declaring full support for Iran.” He said: “You represent the army, and people speak of radicals within the Sudanese army, like Musbah and Karti. Your positions are seen as Sudan’s official stance.”

Relations between Sudanese Islamists and Iran date back to the Iranian Revolution in the late 1970s. Despite doctrinal differences between the two Islamic movements, the relationship evolved into an “alliance” after the Islamists came to power through the June 1989 coup. During their rule, Iran provided political and military support to the Islamist regime led by Omar al-Bashir.

The relationship developed into security, armament, and military cooperation. Iran transferred its war industry to Sudan, culminating in the construction of the “Yarmouk Military Industrial Complex” in the capital, Khartoum, in the mid-1990s. It was claimed that “Iranian experts” managed the facility. The complex remained secret until Israeli warplanes bombed it in October 2012.

In terms of security cooperation, Iran helped establish Sudan’s notorious intelligence agency. Reports at the time indicated that its officers and agents were trained by Iranian intelligence and the Revolutionary Guard, and it was accused of extensive violations and atrocities.

Due to regional and international hostility toward both Khartoum and Tehran, and the isolation imposed on them, the two countries formed what the media dubbed the “Alliance of the Outcasts.” They were widely accused of supporting international terrorism. The relationship deepened, and Khartoum became a hub for extremist Islamic groups, backed openly by Iran.

Israeli press reports at the time claimed that Khartoum transferred Iranian weapons to Hamas in its war against Israel. As a result, Tel Aviv labeled Khartoum a “bitter enemy” and conducted airstrikes in eastern Sudan in 2009 targeting vehicles and individuals allegedly smuggling weapons to Gaza, before destroying the Yarmouk military complex.

The relationship remained strong until President Omar al-Bashir abruptly severed ties in January 2016, citing concerns over “Shia proselytism.” In reality, some Sunni Islamists had converted to Shiism while maintaining loyalty to the Islamic Movement.

The Sudan-Iran-Israel triangle remains complex. Army chief and Sovereignty Council President Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Uganda in February 2020—the first Sudanese leader to meet with an Israeli official. As a result, Sudan signed the Abraham Accords and repealed the Israel boycott law.

Relations with Iran remained severed until Burhan, who seized power in the October 2021 coup, restored them in October 2023—months after the war between the army and RSF broke out in April that same year. This marked the return of Iranian weapons.

Finding no alternative, the army commander resumed ties with Iran to secure weapons and ammunition. Iran quickly supplied him with drones, including the “Mohajer” and “Ababil” models, which are still being used against RSF forces.

The outbreak of war between Israel and Iran has placed Sudan in a difficult position. Burhan, a known ally of Israel bound by formal agreements, receives military support from Iran. Meanwhile, his Islamist partners and their brigades fighting alongside the army are Iran’s allies and have declared “jihad” in its defense. On the other side, his rival—RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti)—also reportedly maintains ties with Israel, and his deputy, Abdel Rahim, was said to have recently visited Tel Aviv, as Israel watches closely the stance of Sudan’s interim government in Port Sudan.