A new step in the United States’ counter-terrorism policy is set to take effect later this month as Washington prepares to place the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood on its terrorism sanctions list.
The decision was disclosed on Monday in a statement issued by the United States Department of State and signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The announcement outlines the government’s plan to impose sanctions on the group while moving forward with its formal classification as a terrorist organisation.
In the statement titled “Terrorist Designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood,” Rubio confirmed that the group has already been designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, with the next step being its listing as a Foreign Terrorist Organization starting March 16, 2026.
“Today, the Department of State is designating the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and intends to designate the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, effective March 16, 2026,” Rubio said.
US authorities allege that members of the group have been involved in attacks on civilians during the ongoing conflict in Sudan, claiming their activities have worsened instability in the region.
According to Rubio, the organisation has carried out acts of violence aimed at obstructing efforts to resolve the crisis.
“The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood uses unrestrained violence against civilians to undermine efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and advance its violent Islamist ideology. Its fighters, many receiving training and other support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have conducted mass executions of civilians,” the statement said.
The US also referenced earlier sanctions targeting an armed faction linked to the group. Rubio noted that the al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade, associated with the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, had already been sanctioned in September 2025.
“The Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood’s al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade was designated pursuant to Executive Order 14098 in September 2025 for its role in Sudan’s brutal war,” he added.
Rubio further accused Iran of playing a role in supporting extremist activities through the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“As the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, the Iranian regime has financed and directed malign activities globally through its IRGC. The United States will use all available tools to deprive the Iranian regime and Muslim Brotherhood chapters of the resources to engage in or support terrorism,” Rubio stated.
The US government explained that the action falls under Section 219 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, which give authorities the power to designate and sanction organisations accused of involvement in terrorism.