Iran says US-brokered Sudan-Israel deal secured by 'ransom'

Iran slammed Sudan, accusing Khartoum of turning a blind eye to "crimes against Palestinians" in return for the exclusion from the state sponsor of terrorism list.

"Pay enough ransom, close your eyes on the crimes against Palestinians, then you'll be taken off the so-called 'terrorism' blacklist. Obviously the list is as phony as the US fight against terrorism. Shameful!" the ministry wrote.

Iran's ransom accusations came after Sudan's government issued a $335 million compensation for survivors and family members of attacks that took place when former dictator Omar al-Bashir welcomed al-Qaeda.

After announcing the compensation deal, US President Donald Trump said his country has formally made a move to delist Sudan as a terror sponsor.

Sudan, which has previously faced US pressure to normalise relations with Israel, reportedly agreed to normalise relations after it was promised to be delisted.

The normalisation deal has sparked protests in Sudan and has angered the Palestinians, who view the move as a "betrayal" to their cause.

Read also: Normalisation deal with Netanyahu would betray Palestinians, along with Sudan's refugees in Israel

Sudan became the third country in recent weeks – after the UAE and Bahrain – to agree to establish diplomatic relations with Israel.

Sudan was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1993, under toppled dictator Bashir.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay connected