Iran has intensified its diplomatic and military engagement in West Africa, signalling plans to deepen defence cooperation with key partners, particularly Burkina Faso. Officials from both nations emphasised sovereignty, strategic autonomy, and resistance to external pressures, highlighting shifting security alliances across the Sahel.
During talks in Tehran, Iran’s Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics, Aziz Nasirzadeh, described Africa as central to Iran’s foreign and security strategy. As reported by Mehr News Agency, he stressed that Tehran seeks to expand strategic relations with sovereign West African states, singling out Burkina Faso for closer collaboration. Nasirzadeh also commended Ouagadougou’s principled stance in condemning hostile actions against Iran.
The Iranian minister highlighted political shifts in the Sahel as grassroots responses to colonial-era pressures, noting growing coordination among Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. He called the Alliance of Sahel States a significant step for these nations to resist external influence and assert strategic autonomy.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of State for Defence, Célestin Simporé, expressed solidarity with Iran, praising its resilience. “We believe the world can achieve complete peace if relations based on domination are broken and more space is given to justice and peace,” he said.
Analysts note that Iran’s outreach reflects a broader effort to build alliances beyond its traditional sphere, while African states increasingly seek diversified security partnerships to strengthen sovereignty and regional stability.
