By Mustafa Omar | 2025-08-06

The Iranian regime's growing presence across Africa has raised concerns in Washington, where US government officials and independent analysts warn that Tehran's continental expansion is a direct threat to US and regional security.

This is especially concerning for Iraq, where Iranian influence through proxy militias and political interference has destabilized the country, making Tehran's growing access to uranium and regional power projection a direct threat.

The Iranian regime's actions in Africa include a secret deal struck in 2024 to obtain uranium from Niger, and its provision of drone supplies to Sudan in violation of United Nations arms embargoes, according to media reports.

In late July, the US State Department and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch issued warnings about "significant threats to US national security" from the Iranian regime's activities on the African continent.

"Iran's long arm of terror stretches around the globe, including in Africa," Risch told Fox News Digital.

"Iran is an enemy to freedom everywhere, and a threat to US national security; our partners in Africa must proceed with caution before engaging with this dangerous, authoritarian regime," he said.

Iran's strategy appears focused on circumventing international sanctions through trade and investment initiatives while securing uranium for nuclear weapons.

Early last year, Africa Intelligence and the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security reported Niger was negotiating the sale of an estimated $56 million worth of "yellowcake" uranium oxide to Tehran.

A portion of the 300-ton quantity already has been delivered to Iran.

An Iranian security delegation, led by the commander-in-chief of the Iranian Internal Security Forces, visited Niger's capital Niamey in May to sign a security memorandum covering intelligence cooperation and training.

Niger's Prime Minister Ali Lamin Zein visited Tehran in early 2024, possibly to discuss uranium supply deals, said Moroccan researcher Mohamed El Bouchikhi, who specializes in geopolitical issues.

Security threats

"Iran is seeking to fill the Western void in Niger," Bouchikhi told Al-Fassel, noting that the US administration appears determined to confront the Iranian presence in distant locations that could provide alternative sources of power.

Some African countries' disintegrating security systems, along with traditional economic management, may favor Iranian intelligence activity disguised as trade partnerships, Bouchikhi added.

The Iranian regime infiltrates populations in Africa in part by exploiting religion and ethnic and sectarian disagreements, analysts say.

It "may resort to mobilizing some extremist groups in Africa to destabilize security, with the aim of complicating US counterterrorism efforts," according to a reporter who covers terrorist groups in Africa.

"Iran could encourage terrorist groups and armed factions to target US interests in the region, such as embassies, companies, and bases in the Horn of Africa," the reporter told Al-Fassel on condition of anonymity.

She noted that "Iranian officials have previously threatened retaliation against Washington."