US sanctions Sudan’s finance minister, allied militia over Iran ties

September 12, 2025 (WASHINGTON) – The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on Sudan’s Finance Minister, Gibril Ibrahim, and a prominent Islamist militia for fuelling the country’s civil war and cultivating destabilizing ties with Iran.

The sanctions target Ibrahim, who also leads the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB) for their roles in obstructing peace and deepening connections with the Iranian government. The action was taken because Sudanese Islamist groups have formed dangerous alliances with the Iranian regime that threaten regional and global security.

The sanctions seek to limit the influence of Sudanese Islamists, who have been described as a “malign force” historically, particularly during the 30-year rule of former President Omar al-Bashir. These elements played a key role in derailing Sudan’s democratic transition, which contributed to the outbreak of war in April 2023.

Gebreil Ibrahim has deployed thousands of JEM fighters into the conflict against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and travelled to Tehran last November to strengthen political and economic ties with the Iranian government.

During that visit, Ibrahim announced agreements to enhance trade and economic relations, including holding joint ministerial committees. The trip resulted in a deal to open mutual trade centres and establish a joint Sudanese-Iranian company.

Last March, Ibrahim chaired a preparatory meeting for the joint ministerial committee with Iran, where he affirmed the government’s interest in strengthening cooperation and invited Tehran to participate in reconstructing what the war has destroyed. The meeting identified priorities in agriculture, livestock, and mining, emphasizing a joint business forum to be held soon.