Iran voices support to Sudan against RSF, calls for end to foreign interference
February 17, 2025 (TEHRAN) – Iran has officially announced its support for the Sudanese government in the ongoing conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), marking a renewed alliance after a period of strained relations. This support comes as Iran emphasizes the importance of Sudan’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity and calls for an end to foreign interference in the country’s affairs.
Ties between the two nations were severed in January 2016 under former President Omer al-Bashir due to escalating tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia, but they were restored in July 2024.
Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Youssif met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Monday in Tehran to discuss bilateral issues and coordinate stances in international forums.
Araghchi declared Iran’s support for the Sudanese government and army in their fight against the “rebel” RSF, emphasizing the need to stop foreign intervention in Sudan and promote national dialogue for internal reconciliation. He expressed regret over the internal conflict, acknowledging the moral and material damage inflicted on the Sudanese people and infrastructure.
Youssif told Araghchi that the Sudanese Armed Forces had taken the lead in the war against the RSF militia, which he claimed was backed by foreign entities seeking to seize power. He also briefed Araghchi on the “militia’s” violations, describing them as some of the worst atrocities in modern history. Youssif also highlighted the Sudanese army’s recent victories.
The two ministers discussed cooperation in various fields and signed an agreement for a joint political consultation committee, with plans to hold consultations at least twice a year and a joint ministerial economic committee meeting in May.
Iran expressed its intention to participate in Sudan’s reconstruction phase actively, leveraging the expertise of Iranian companies. Youssif specifically called for Iran’s active participation in the reconstruction of damaged areas, citing the capabilities of Iranian industrial and engineering firms.
The ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding for mutual exemption of entry visas for diplomatic, special, and official passport holders, as well as a memorandum of understanding to establish a political consultation committee between the two foreign ministries.
Araghchi highlighted the positive developments in relations and their rapid trajectory towards greater cooperation, noting the ongoing communication between technical and economic delegations from both countries. He added that Iranian technical and economic delegations had made significant progress in resolving financial issues between the two nations.
In addition to the visa exemption and political consultation committee memoranda, Araghchi mentioned that discussions in the joint economic committee would include Iran and Iranian companies’ participation in Sudan’s reconstruction.
Araghchi also commended Sudan’s stance on Palestine and called for a coherent Islamic nations’ position against the forced relocation of Gazans. He further outlined Iran’s efforts to hold an emergency OIC foreign ministers meeting and called for Sudan’s active participation.
During his visit, Youssif met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Monday and with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Akbar Ahmadian on Tuesday.