The Guangdong, China-based Dezan Shira & Associates, a market research firm, posted on 11 October 2023 a commentary titled "Sudan's Iranian Rapprochement Gives Control of the Red Sea to BRICS" by Chris Devonshire-Ellis.
Sudan, which has a Red Sea coastline, and Iran announced on 9 October they are reestablishing diplomatic relations after a divorce of 7 years. The two countries previously had close, especially military, relations. Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and the UAE will join the BRICS at the beginning of next year. Egypt and Saudi Arabia occupy critical Red Sea coastline while the others rely heavily on the Red Sea and Suez Canal for trade. BRICS' members China, India, and to a lesser extent Russia also rely heavily on the Red Sea for transport of commerce and energy supplies.
