US Designates Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Organization – March 2026 Sanctions

The United States has formally announced its intention to designate the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, implementing sanctions that are expected to take effect later this month. This development was confirmed in an official press release from the United States Department of State, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In the statement titled “Terrorist Designation of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood,” Rubio detailed that the organization has been classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and will also be listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) starting March 16, 2026. He emphasized the group’s violent activities targeting civilians amidst the ongoing Sudanese conflict.

“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 stated. The Secretary highlighted the group’s aggressive tactics, noting, “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 support from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have conducted mass executions of civilians.”

Furthermore, Rubio pointed out that the organization’s al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade had previously faced sanctions. “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.

The US Secretary of State also criticized Iran for supporting extremist operations worldwide. “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 affirmed.

This action aligns with Section 219 of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, which provide the legal framework for designating and sanctioning terrorist organizations. The move is expected to impact financial networks and operational capabilities of the Sudanese Muslim Brotherhood, restricting its ability to further its agenda.