Within just three months, two countries—Syria and Sudan—have shifted their positions
The confrontation between the Axis of Resistance and the Zionist regime, along with the United States, is not confined to one or two countries; it has transcended regional boundaries.
Beyond West Asia, Africa has also been drawn into this conflict.
This challenge is so significant that within just three months, two countries—Syria and Sudan—have shifted their positions.
The recent visit of Sudan’s foreign minister to Tehran and meetings with high-ranking Iranian officials, which resulted in significant agreements between the two nations, signal the formal return of Khartoum to the Axis of Resistance.
Over the past two years, both countries had initiated a path toward improved relations; however, this trajectory has markedly accelerated in recent weeks due to Tehran-Khartoum agreements and the Sudanese army’s field victories.
Parties Involved:
In Sudan, the national army, which also oversees the government, is engaged in combat with the paramilitary group known as the “Rapid Support Forces” (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as “Hemedti.” The formation of the RSF traces back to the Darfur conflicts. In recent decades, Darfur has witnessed battles between Arab tribes and non-Arab inhabitants. These non-Arab residents, allegedly with the complicity of the U.S. and the Zionist regime, sought to weaken Sudan’s central government and fragment the nation into smaller entities.
Hemedti himself is a tribal leader from Darfur
In response, the then-government under General Omar al-Bashir supported and armed Arab tribes to counteract the movements of Darfur’s inhabitants. Over time, these forces coordinated under the “Rapid Support Forces” structure, operating within a broader organizational framework. Hemedti himself is a tribal leader from Darfur.
Following Sudan’s revolution in 2019, the RSF gained power and took control of gold mining operations, securing substantial financial resources. Consequently, the RSF’s numbers have grown to rival those of Sudan’s national army. Alongside Hemedti, political factions emerging from the 2019 protests have allied with the RSF after being sidelined by the army, which has consolidated governmental control.
Here are a number of key points that will clarify Sudan’s importance in the future of Axis of Resistance particularly Islamic Republic of Iran.
Sudan is crucially important in the future of Axis of Resistance particularly Islamic Republic of Iran
1. Sudan and Syria: A Comparative Analysis:
The situation in Sudan resembles Syria, yet Sudan has achieved more tremendous success. This can be attributed to several factors.
First, the Sudanese military and ruling establishment have demonstrated greater flexibility compared to Syria’s regime and the Ba’ath Party. This was evident in the 2019 protests when the military agreed to appoint a prime minister from the opposition.
Syria’s political collapse in 2024 surprised many, but the regime had already been on the brink since 2011
Second, Sudan’s relationship with Islamist movements has been long-standing and deeply rooted. While tensions have existed between the government and some Islamist figures, the overall alliance has remained intact.This contrasts sharply with Egypt, where the initial alliance between the Muslim Brotherhood and the revolutionary military quickly collapsed into violent conflict. In Sudan, Islamists stood by the military during recent crises, unlike in Syria, where Islamist forces rebelled against the government.
A third distinction is the existence of a resilient core within Sudan’s political system. Syria’s political collapse in 2024 surprised many, but the regime had already been on the brink since 2011, surviving primarily due to support from the Resistance Axis and Russia. Despite this backing, the Assad government struggled to control large territories. Meanwhile, Sudan, even during conflicts such as the secession of South Sudan and the Darfur crisis, never faced total collapse, requiring heavy foreign intervention.
2. Islamists and the Military Coalition:
Over the past two years, Sudanese Islamists have allied with the national military, while opposition factions and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been on the opposing side. The RSF draws its strength from Western Sudanese Arab tribes. In contrast, the military-Islamist alliance enjoys broader national support, while the opposition remains politically and tribally fragmented.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir, and the West imposed sanctions on Sudan
3. Sudan’s Shift Away from the Resistance Axis:
Since the early 2010s, Sudan has distanced itself from the Resistance Axis due to Western policies and the influence of allied Arab states. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir, and the West imposed sanctions on Sudan. In response, Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, sought to shield al-Bashir from these pressures. However, this deceptive support ultimately led Sudan into Washington and Tel Aviv’s sphere of influence.
4. Strengthening Ties with Russia and Iran:
Sudan has deepened its relations with both Iran and Russia. A recent agreement for a Russian naval base in Sudan mirrors the military-political alliance that formed between Iran and Russia in Syria. Although Russia has been a player in Sudan, Iran has emerged as the key strategic partner.
The Resistance Axis views Russia as a necessary presence in its geopolitical landscape. Russia, through its Wagner Group, previously engaged with the RSF for trade but has now secured a naval base, enhancing its global military posture. This mirrors its trajectory in Syria, where Russian intervention elevated Moscow’s global influence.
5. Sudan’s Regional Role Against Israel:
Sudan has the potential to expand anti-Israeli sentiment in Africa. With evolving regional dynamics and increasing Western pressure, Sudan could play a significant role in mobilizing African nations against Israel.
6. Opposition Defeat and the Collapse of RSF:
With the loss of key territories, Sudanese opposition forces have suffered military and political defeat. The RSF has faced repeated setbacks, and the political coalition supporting them has disbanded. The remaining opposition leaders have fled to Kenya, unable to sustain their movement within Sudan.
7. Sudan’s Role in an Emerging African Resistance Axis:
African nations along the Sahel have resisted Western military presence, expelling foreign troops. Sudan can align with these countries, forming a contiguous resistance bloc stretching from the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. France, for instance, has been expelled from Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, with further withdrawals anticipated from Côte d’Ivoire.
8. Sudan’s Influence Over South Sudan:
Though South Sudan seceded under U.S. and Israeli influence, it remains under Khartoum’s sway. While the secession was a severe blow, strategic actions could mitigate its long-term consequences.
9. Sudan’s Historical and Islamic Role:
Sudan, alongside Egypt, Libya, and Algeria, has a history of resistance movements with Islamic orientations. By reinforcing its Islamic identity, Sudan could assume a leadership role, shaping ideological trends in the region.
While Sudan lacks Syria’s geographical proximity to occupied Palestine, it compensates with other strategic advantages, including greater landmass, a larger population, and superior commercial positioning
10. Sudan’s Strategic Advantages Over Syria:
Although Syria fell in 2024, leading to a loss of key geographical assets for the Resistance Axis, Sudan has re-emerged as a significant player. While Sudan lacks Syria’s geographical proximity to occupied Palestine, it compensates with other strategic advantages, including greater landmass, a larger population, and superior commercial positioning.
Furthermore, Syria’s fall has forced Turkey and Arab states bordering Israel to confront Tel Aviv’s expansionist policies directly. Given Israel’s inherent expansionist tendencies, these nations will inevitably face challenges from Tel Aviv.
11. Iran’s Military Assistance to Sudan:
Sudan’s resurgence began when Iran provided drone technology to counter rebel forces. Initially, this support was limited, but recent victories suggest an expansion in military aid, including weapons transfers, intelligence sharing, and combat training from the Resistance Axis.
12. Strengthening Yemen’s Position:
With Sudan rejoining the Resistance Axis, Yemen’s standing will also improve. While Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon have traditionally formed the Axis’ core, Yemen remained geographically isolated. If Sudan integrates into this framework, Yemen could expand its influence across the Horn of Africa and the Sahel.
13. Sudan’s Potential for Long-Range Military Capabilities:
The Resistance Axis is enhancing the long-range strike capabilities of its members. Sudan could be equipped with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced drones, significantly increasing its military reach.
14. Assassination Attempts and Sudan’s Strategic Importance:
Recent events highlight Sudan’s growing role in regional conflicts. In late summer, following the assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures, an attempt was made on the head of Sudan’s political council. Although unsuccessful, this underscores Sudan’s rising significance in the resistance struggle.
15. The Expanding Resistance Axis:
With Iran and Iraq on Israel’s western flank, Lebanon in the north, and Yemen in the south, Sudan’s integration would solidify a southern front. Should resistance movements gain traction in Libya, the Axis would achieve full regional encirclement of Israel.
16. Sudan’s Economic Potential:
Before South Sudan’s secession, Sudan was the largest Islamic country by land area. Despite losing some territory, it remains geopolitically significant. Additionally, Sudan’s vast gold reserves—producing 80 tons annually—offer a substantial revenue source. Although oil production declined after the secession, gold remains a crucial economic asset.
The Syrian case demonstrates that economic collapse can cripple military strength and morale, making economic recovery a top priority for Sudan and its allies.
17. The Human and Economic Costs of Conflict:
The two-year Sudanese crisis resulted in 14 million displaced people and 20,000 casualties. The destruction of infrastructure mirrors the devastation seen in Syria, highlighting the urgency of reconstruction. The Syrian case demonstrates that economic collapse can cripple military strength and morale, making economic recovery a top priority for Sudan and its allies.
18. Sudan’s Multi-Dimensional Strategic Role:
Sudan is uniquely positioned to engage in various geopolitical spheres. While the Resistance Axis previously focused on the Arab world through Syria and Iraq, Sudan allowed it to expand its reach into Africa and Sunni Islamist networks. Unlike Syria, which was limited to Arab affairs, Sudan’s African and Islamist dimensions make it a more versatile ally.
19. Implications for the UAE:
Sudan’s developments mark a significant setback for the UAE, which suffered defeats in Yemen and now in Sudan. If the UAE aligns with U.S. efforts to pressure Iran, its military and economic influence in the region could face serious challenges.
Cairo’s military backing of Sudan strengthens its position, particularly regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which threatens Egypt’s water security.
20. Egypt’s Position and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam:
Tensions between Egypt, the U.S., and Israel have escalated due to Washington’s support for relocating Gaza’s population into Egypt. Cairo’s military backing of Sudan strengthens its position, particularly regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which threatens Egypt’s water security.
21. Reinforcing Gaza’s Resistance:
Efforts to rebuild Gaza’s military infrastructure could accelerate with enhanced coordination between the Resistance Axis, Sudan, and Egypt. Previous instances of covert support suggest that military assistance to Gaza may continue despite political fluctuations.
As Sudan cements its role within the Resistance Axis, it is poised to become a pivotal player in the region’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.
