Iran urges opposing sides in Sudan to have dialogue, end fighting

Iran has expressed its concern over the ongoing violence in Sudan, urging the opposing sides to show restraint and engage in dialogue to end the unrest in the African country.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its concern over what is taking place in the Muslim and brotherly country of Sudan," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani said on Saturday.

He urged Sudan to overcome the current worrying situation through diologue.

The Iranian spokesperson expressed confidence that the Sudanese-Sudanese dialogue and internal consensus on a national initiative are the sole solution to the current crisis.

Fierce exchanges of gunfire as well as massive explosions hit the Sudanese capital of Khartoum on Saturday as columns of smoke bellowed from various places and soldiers were deployed on the streets.

The clashes came following days of tensions between the army and the powerful paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that threatened to turn into a full-blown battle for control of the African country.

Sudan's paramilitaries said they are in control of several key sites, including the presidential palace in central Khartoum.

Saudi Arabia, UAE call for dialogue

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also on Saturday called for dialogue in Sudan to end the ongoing clashes.

"Saudi Arabia voices its deep concern regarding the escalation and clashes between the army and the RSF in Sudan," the Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It underscored the need for Sudan to exercise restraint.

Meanwhile, the UAE called for de-escalation and restraint as well as working to resolve the current crisis in the African country via dialogue, state news agency WAM reported.

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