July 16, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Sudanese military has rejected an Iranian proposal to establish a permanent military ship in Port Sudan in exchange for continued military aid in the ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The request for an Iranian helicopter carrier in Port Sudan is part of ongoing negotiations between the two countries regarding a potential defence cooperation agreement. Despite the Sudanese army’s rejection of this request, sources indicate that Iran continues to supply drones to Sudan. According to these sources, Sudanese Islamist leaders with ties to the Iranian regime have attempted to mediate an agreement between the Sudanese army and the Iranian government. However, discussions in April did not lead to a deal due to opposition from Sudanese military leaders. In a separate development, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov promised “unrestricted qualitative military aid” to the Sudanese government last April. This aid could potentially include the deployment of Russian forces in Sudan. Sources have confirmed high-level coordination between Russia and Iran to supply the Sudanese army with drones, heavy artillery ammunition, and aircraft missiles. This support comes as the Sudanese army faces shortages after the RSF seized key military warehouses in Khartoum. The …

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