The United States Expresses Concern Over Iranian Weapons Shipment to Sudan

The United States expressed concern on Wednesday regarding reported shipments of weapons from Iran to the Sudanese army, which is engaged in a deadly conflict with militias reportedly supported by the UAE and Russia. According to AFP, John Godfrey, the U.S. ambassador to Sudan, stated that Washington is 'deeply concerned about foreign support' for the Sudanese Armed Forces and its rival, the 'Rapid Support Forces.' Godfrey told reporters that there are reports of a resumption of relations between Sudan and Iran, which could include Iran's 'material' support for the Sudanese army. He described these reports as very concerning. Without naming other countries, he mentioned that the U.S. has 'asked foreign actors to refrain from providing material support to both sides in the conflict.' He added, 'This [type of support] prolongs the war and expands it. It also reduces the prospect of finding a way out of the conflict through negotiation.' Last month, the 'Rapid Support Forces' released content on social media claiming to show remnants of an Iranian-made drone belonging to the Sudanese army. Bloomberg News also reported, citing Western officials, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is supplying weapons to the Sudanese army. The Sudanese army's control of the Red Sea region raises alarms for Western powers regarding Iran's extensive presence in the area, especially as Houthi rebels in Yemen, on the other side of the main maritime transit line (the Red Sea), have fired at international ships in solidarity with the Palestinians. A report from UN experts last month referenced credible evidence that the UAE is providing military assistance to the 'Rapid Support Forces' through Chad. The 'Rapid Support Forces' had sent fighters to support UAE and Saudi operations against the Houthis in Yemen. In December, Sudan expelled 15 Emirati diplomats, and the deputy commander of the Sudanese army condemned the UAE for supporting the 'Rapid Support Forces,' describing it as a 'state mafia.' The UAE has denied any involvement in the conflict. Egypt and Turkey have also supported the Sudanese army, while the 'Rapid Support Forces' face widespread allegations of collaborating with Russian Wagner mercenaries. Since the outbreak of war in April last year, thousands have been killed in Sudan. The United States has accused both sides of war crimes and has accused the 'Rapid Support Forces' of ethnic cleansing. Reuters: The Islamic Republic of Iran has sent hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia. The Wall Street Journal: The Islamic Republic has become one of the largest exporters of cheap weapons.