U.S. designates Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organization, links group to Iran

WASHINGTON — The United States said on Monday it is designating the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a specially designated global terrorist and intends to classify the group as a foreign terrorist organization, citing its alleged role in violence against civilians in Sudan and links to Iran.

In a statement, the U.S. State Department said the designation would take effect on March 16.

“Today, the Department of State is designating the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and intends to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective March 16, 2026,” it said.

The department accused the group of using violence to undermine efforts to resolve Sudan’s conflict and advance a militant Islamist agenda.

“The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood (SMB), composed of the Sudanese Islamic Movement and its armed wing – the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade (BBMB), uses unrestrained violence against civilians to undermine efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and advance its violent Islamist ideology,” the statement said.

According to the State Department, fighters associated with the group have received training and other support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“The SMB has contributed upwards of 20,000 fighters to the war in Sudan, many receiving training and other support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the statement added.

The department also pointed to the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood’s al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, which Washington previously sanctioned in 2025 for its role in Sudan’s war.

“The Treasury Department designated BBMB in September 2025 pursuant to Executive Order 14098, ‘Imposing Sanctions on Certain Persons Destabilizing Sudan and Undermining the Goal of a Democratic Transition’for its role in Sudan’s brutal war,” the statement said.

The United States also linked the move to its broader efforts to counter Iranian influence in militant networks.

Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a war that has devastated much of the country and displaced millions. U.S. officials say the designation aims to disrupt the flow of financial and logistical support to militant actors accused of fueling the conflict.