From Sudan to Gaza, Iran’s influence over Middle East holds no signs of dropping

 

Iran's Regional Influence Remains Unabated from Sudan to Gaza

Iran's reach across the Middle East, from insurgent attacks in the Red Sea region to conflicts in northern Israel and the recent Hamas offensive on October 7, has drawn scrutiny and accusations from global analysts. The extent of Tehran's direct involvement in these incidents is uncertain.

However, these allegations underscore a larger reality: Iran's strategy of partnering with militant non-state groups such as Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hezbollah in Lebanon significantly impacts the Middle Eastern geopolitical landscape, according to The Conversation.

Iran's Mohajer-6 Drones and Their Role in the Sudanese Civil War

In April 2023, a major conflict broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to widespread displacement, economic turmoil, and a healthcare system on the brink of collapse, with a death toll in the tens of thousands.

Bloomberg reports that senior Western officials have accused Iran of supplying combat drones to the Sudanese army, implicating Tehran in the civil war. Alan Boswell, a Horn of Africa expert with the International Crisis Group, stated that Iran's support for the Sudanese army is "widely accepted in the diplomatic community," noting that this move could solidify Iran's influence along the Red Sea.

Sudan reportedly received Mohajer-6 drones, a type of unmanned aircraft produced in Iran, as confirmed by anonymous officials and satellite imagery. According to US officials, the Mohajer-6 is capable of air-to-surface strikes, electronic warfare, and battlefield reconnaissance. However, the exact impact of these drones in Sudan remains unclear.

Iran's Stance on Drone Proliferation Allegations

Amid accusations of supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, the US expanded sanctions against Iran for its alleged role in distributing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to destabilizing forces. Tehran, however, has consistently denied these claims, including the arming of the Houthis, insisting that such groups are capable of independent action. The Iranian foreign minister asserted that Iran cannot be held accountable if other nations replicate Iranian drone designs.

Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

The conflict in Sudan, centered mainly in Khartoum, has also severely affected regions like Darfur, leading to ethnic cleansing allegations by the International Rescue Committee. The country faces a dire food crisis, with 37% of the population experiencing severe food insecurity. Families are resorting to desperate measures, such as early marriage, to cope with the crisis.