Treasury Targets Sudanese Islamist Groups Fueling Conflict, Backed by Iran
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Washington, D.C. – On September 12, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on individuals and entities connected to the ongoing civil war in Sudan, citing their destabilizing actions and ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The move aims to disrupt the flow of support to Islamist militias exacerbating the conflict and hindering a democratic transition.
The sanctions target Gebreil Ibrahim, a leader of the Justice and equality Movement (JEM), and the Badir Military Brigade (BBMB), a paramilitary association affiliated with Sudan’s former Bashir regime.These actions underscore the U.S. commitment to promoting peace and stability in Sudan, countering Iranian influence, and holding accountable those responsible for violence and human rights abuses.The designations are made under Executive Order (E.O.) 14098, which focuses on individuals destabilizing Sudan and impeding its democratic progress.
Key Designations and Allegations
Gebreil Ibrahim is sanctioned for his leadership role within JEM, an organization accused of actions threatening Sudan’s peace, security, and stability. The BBMB, which has deployed over 20,000 fighters against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), is designated for its own destabilizing activities. OFAC reports that the BBMB has received training and weaponry from the IRGC and its fighters have been implicated in serious human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and summary executions of individuals perceived to support the RSF.
Did You Know?
Executive Order 14098, signed in 2021, provides the legal framework for targeting individuals and entities undermining Sudan’s democratic transition.
| designated Entity | Affiliation | Alleged Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Gebreil Ibrahim | Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) | Leadership role in threatening Sudan’s stability |
| Badir Military Brigade (BBMB) | Former Bashir Regime/IRGC | Contributing 20,000+ fighters; human rights abuses |
Sanctions Implications and compliance
As an inevitable result of these sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities within the United States, or under the control of U.S.persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. This includes any entities owned 50% or more, directly or indirectly, by the sanctioned parties. Transactions by U.S. persons involving these blocked entities are generally prohibited unless authorized by a specific or general license.
Violations of U.S. sanctions can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. OFAC’s Economic sanctions Enforcement Guidelines detail the agency’s enforcement approach. Financial institutions and other entities face potential sanctions exposure for engaging in transactions with designated or blocked persons. Providing any form of support – funds, goods, or services – to these entities is prohibited, as is receiving such support from them.
Pro Tip: U.S.persons should conduct thorough due diligence to ensure compliance with OFAC regulations and avoid inadvertently engaging with sanctioned entities.
Seeking Removal from the SDN List
OFAC emphasizes that the goal of sanctions is not punishment, but behavioral change. The agency is willing to remove individuals and entities from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) if they demonstrate a commitment to lawful behavior. Data on filing a petition for removal is available on OFAC’s website: Filing a petition for Removal from an OFAC List.
Further details on today’s designations can be found on the OFAC website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of these sanctions?
The primary goal is to disrupt the flow of support to Islamist militias in Sudan, counter Iranian influence, and promote a peaceful, democratic transition.
Who is Gebreil Ibrahim?
Gebreil Ibrahim is a leader of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), designated for actions threatening Sudan’s stability.
What is the Badir Military Brigade (BBMB)?
The BBMB is a paramilitary organization linked to Sudan’s former Bashir regime, accused of human rights abuses and receiving support from the IRGC.
What are the implications for U.S. persons?
U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with the designated individuals and entities.
How can someone petition for removal from the SDN List?
Individuals and entities can file a petition for removal with OFAC, demonstrating a commitment to lawful behavior.Details are available on the OFAC website.
Sudan’s Conflict: A Broader Context
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023, pits the Sudanese Armed forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis,with millions displaced and facing food insecurity. The involvement of external actors, such as Iran through groups like the BBMB, complicates the situation and hinders efforts to achieve a lasting peace. the U.S. has repeatedly called for an end to the violence and a return to a civilian-led government.The sanctions announced on September 12, 2025, represent a further step in the U.S. strategy to address the root causes of the conflict and support a stable, democratic Sudan.
What are your thoughts on the U.S. response to the conflict in Sudan? Share your perspective in the comments below, and please share this article with your network to raise awareness about this critical situation.
