Iran accused of uranium deals in Niger, drone transfers to Sudan, and ideological expansion across the continent
U.S. officials and foreign policy experts are raising the alarm over Iran regime’s growing footprint in Africa, warning of significant threats to both American national security and regional stability. The concerns stem from a combination of reported illicit uranium purchases, weapons transfers, ideological influence operations, and economic partnerships designed to undermine Western interests.
The U.S. State Department and the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have both confirmed their concern over Iran regime’s expanding influence on the continent, particularly through covert dealings in uranium and arms.
Iran Regime’s Pursuit of Uranium in Niger
Tehran is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Niger for the purchase of uranium oxide, also known as “yellowcake,” in violation of international agreements. The deal, first reported by Africa Intelligence and later confirmed by the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security, allegedly involves the transfer of 300 tons of uranium worth $56 million — potentially enough for the production of 30 nuclear weapons.
Analysts suggest that Niger, under military leadership following the 2023 coup, could be preparing to sell even more uranium to Iran’s regime. The country recently announced plans to revoke French mining licenses and nationalize its uranium sector, a move that may open the door to direct Iranian involvement, particularly in the Imouraren region, home to an estimated 200,000 tons of uranium reserves.
The shift comes amid Niger’s growing alignment with authoritarian powers. In 2024, the military regime terminated its security agreement with the United States, leading to the closure of two key U.S. military bases used for counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel.
Experts say that there is a secret agreement between Iran and Niger trading uranium for either drones or energy. They described Iran as an opportunistic actor extending its reach beyond the Middle East.
Drone Transfers and Military Support in Sudan
The Iranian regime has also been accused of supplying advanced weaponry to Sudan, including Mohajer-6 drones, in violation of a U.N. arms embargo. According to U.S. Africa Command’s Africa Defense Forum, these drones were used by Sudan’s military in recent offensives to recapture Khartoum and the presidential palace.
Iranian regime drones are now active across four continents, including in multiple African conflict zones. From Sudan to Ethiopia, Tehran’s weapons are shaping outcomes far from home.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed that Iran regime’s actions in Sudan are being monitored closely, stating, “Supplying arms to any of the belligerents prolongs the conflict and heightens the risk of further destabilization in Sudan and the region.” The spokesperson reiterated the U.S. call for an end to all external support for warring factions and emphasized the need for a comprehensive ceasefire and humanitarian access.
Exporting Extremism and Undermining the West
Beyond arms and uranium, Iran’s regime is accused of running an aggressive ideological campaign to expand its influence among Africa’s Muslim populations. According to Frans Cronje, President of the Yorktown Foundation for Freedom, Iran’s regime seeks to exploit Africa’s religious diversity and instability to export its revolutionary ideology.
“Iran’s strategy in Africa has three pillars,” Cronje explained. “First, it provides training and material support to extremist groups to destabilize Western influence and incite violence, particularly against Christians and pro-Western communities.”
Cronje cited the Global Terrorism Index, which now ranks several African nations higher than many in the Middle East due to a surge in extremist violence. “Church burnings, beheadings, and mass killings are increasingly concentrated in Africa,” he warned.
The second part of Iran regime’s strategy involves radicalizing both Shia and Sunni communities through institutions like the Al-Mustafa University, which operates religious and cultural centers in over 30 African countries.
Third, Tehran is building economic and diplomatic ties across the continent to evade international sanctions and gain political support in global forums such as the United Nations. Earlier this year, over 700 delegates from nearly 40 African countries attended a pro-Iran investment conference in Tehran.
Washington’s Warning
Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, described Iran regime’s as a global threat, stating, “Iran’s long arm of terror stretches around the globe, including in Africa. It is an enemy to freedom everywhere and a threat to U.S. national security.”
The State Department echoed these concerns, noting that Iran’s nuclear program, terrorism sponsorship, and regional destabilization efforts continue to pose grave risks. “The President has been clear: Iran can never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon,” a spokesperson affirmed.
From uranium deals in West Africa to drone warfare in Sudan and ideological infiltration across the continent, Iran’s actions are drawing sharp warnings from U.S. officials and policy experts. As Tehran’s influence in Africa expands under the radar, Washington is urging African nations to reconsider their engagement with a regime widely viewed as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
