What Stance Has Iran Taken on Developments in Sudan?
WANA (Nov 07) – The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently supported Sudan’s central government, opposed any foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs, and warned against movements that could lead to another partition of Sudan.
The recent bloodshed in the city of El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, once again drew a strong reaction from Tehran. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the mass killing of civilians in El-Fasher as “deeply shocking,” stressing that any external interference in Sudan’s internal affairs is “harmful and futile.” He added, “Such interventions bring nothing but chaos and bloodshed.”
While Amnesty International has described Sudan as facing one of the world’s “worst humanitarian crises,” reporting tens of thousands of civilian deaths and over 12 million displaced people, on-the-ground accounts from El-Fasher reveal a city trapped in catastrophe. According to Al Jazeera, the city has been cut off from the outside world, roads are blocked, and residents have been forced to survive on dried seeds, tree leaves, and even animal fodder.
Sudan. Social media / WANA News Agency
The conflict in Sudan began on April 15, 2023, between the army led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemeti). But analysts say the war has since turned into a battleground for competing foreign powers. The Wall Street Journal reported that the United Arab Emirates has used Libyan territory to ship weapons to Sudan. Meanwhile, France’s Le Monde revealed that the UAE established an “air bridge” to deliver Chinese-made drones, air-defense systems, armored vehicles, and even hundreds of Colombian mercenaries to the RSF. Amnesty International also disclosed that military equipment from France, the UK, Canada, and Bulgaria has reached the group, while the European Union has largely turned a blind eye.
Sudan. Social media / WANA News Agency
Iran has voiced its stance since the early months of the conflict. On April 14, Tehran condemned the siege of El-Fasher and attacks on civilians sheltering in the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps, calling for “an immediate end to the siege, cessation of attacks, and protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.” Later, on September 20, Iran denounced a drone strike on a mosque in El-Fasher that killed and wounded dozens of worshippers, describing it as “a blatant violation of international humanitarian norms.”
Following the RSF’s occupation of El-Fasher on October 26, Baghaei reiterated Tehran’s concerns, warning against “dangerous moves toward a renewed partition of Sudan,” and urging respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Around the same time, the UN Security Council held an emergency session on the El-Fasher massacre, labeling RSF actions as “crimes” and calling on all countries to avoid any foreign involvement that could fuel instability. Reports suggest that more than 2,500 people were killed after the city’s fall, including 460 at the Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital.
Iran and Sudan. Social Media / WANA News Agency
In a continuation of diplomatic engagement, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with his Sudanese counterpart, Mahy al-Din Salem, on October 30, condemning the attacks and reaffirming Iran’s support for Sudan’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity.” A day later, Araghchi wrote on X: “Some divide terrorists into ‘good’ and ‘bad’ categories and support those who do their ‘dirty work’ for them. Such double standards should have no place in 2025.” He added, “Terrorism and violence against innocent people must be condemned everywhere and in every form.”
As the fighting in Darfur drags on and El-Fasher remains under siege, Tehran’s policy stands firm on three key principles: support for the central government, opposition to partition, and rejection of foreign meddling that risks turning Sudan into yet another arena of geopolitical rivalry.
