Iran is expanding its influence and activities in Africa, particularly in countries like Sudan, Mali, Nigeria, and potentially South Africa.
This is part of a broader, more ambitious strategy by Iran to extend its reach beyond its immediate neighbors in the Middle East.
Iran is developing close ties with Sudan’s military leader General Al-Burhan and establishing a naval base in Port Sudan, giving it influence over the Red Sea.
Control of both sides of the Red Sea could allow Iran to disrupt global trade passing through the Suez Canal and blackmail Western economies.
Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy, has also entrenched itself in several African countries where it runs illicit networks for money laundering and smuggling.
The author argues this expansion poses new threats and represents a changing global situation that demands a stronger US response to curb Iran.
The US should reinforce the Abraham Accords, reimpose Trump-era sanctions, hold Iranian actors accountable, and target groups like Hezbollah and IRGC to counter Iran’s growing African influence.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
