SouthernWorldwide.com – Iran is reportedly feeling a significant threat from Somaliland, a small African nation that declared independence from Somalia. This concern stems from the potential for the United States, Israel, and other Western powers to utilize Somaliland’s deep-water port and airbase.
Such a development could severely undermine Iran’s strategy of using its proxy, the Houthi terror group in Yemen, to disrupt shipping in the Red Sea.
Iran has been accused of instigating the Houthis to resume their attacks on maritime traffic, particularly in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial waterway. This strait has become the primary route for oil exports from the Middle East to Asia, especially since the Strait of Hormuz has become largely inaccessible.
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According to Daftari, editor-in-chief of The Foreign Desk, this is why Iran-backed Houthis are openly threatening any Israeli or Western military presence in Somaliland. They are also warning of their capability to choke off the Bab el-Mandeb if the conflict with the U.S. and Israel escalates.
Fitton-Brown, a former U.K. ambassador to Yemen, stated that Iran opposes any recognition of Somaliland primarily because Israel is the first nation to recognize it. Iran inherently opposes any action taken by Israel. Furthermore, Iran is strongly against the U.S. and UAE, both of which have pragmatic dealings with Somaliland, albeit short of formal recognition. Somaliland represents a potential base for operations against the Houthis, thus posing a threat to the “Iranian Axis of Resistance.”
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The U.S. already maintains a substantial base in Djibouti on the Red Sea. However, Fitton-Brown notes that this base is becoming increasingly problematic. China is significantly expanding its military and commercial footprint in Djibouti, leading to concerns that Djibouti may not be a consistently reliable ally for the U.S. Consequently, Somaliland’s strategic importance is likely growing.
The Somaliland government has also offered storage facilities for Tomahawk missiles, a move described by a government source as a “unique way to advance security interests.”
Adam explained that U.S. destroyers that deplete their missile batteries in the Red Sea currently face a travel time of up to two weeks for resupply. Somaliland, he added, is prepared to play a practical role in assisting the U.S. in safeguarding global trade routes.
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Ekman highlighted a similar strategic dilemma. While the U.S. enjoys good access in Djibouti, this access is singular and faces competition from China’s presence. Gaining access to the port of Berbera in Somaliland would provide redundancy and a different, more independent partner. He believes that the U.S. military, along with some allied nations, requires port access in Berbera.
Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, is a vocal proponent for the U.S. to fully recognize Somaliland through diplomatic channels.
A former senior U.S. defense official confirmed that American military specialists have been collaborating with Somaliland forces since 2023. This cooperation was instrumental in a joint operation that resulted in the elimination of Bilal al-Sudani, who was reportedly a key facilitator and financier of the global ISIS network.
However, the U.S. officially aligns with Somalia, the country from which Somaliland declared its secession in 1991.
“In northern Somalia, AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, has conducted airstrikes to degrade ISIS—Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. In southern Somalia, AFRICOM, also in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, has conducted airstrikes to enable partner forces’ ability to degrade al Shabaab. Our strategic approach to countering terrorism in Africa relies on trusted partnerships and collaboration grounded in and through shared security interests.”
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Daftari further elaborated that Somaliland is offering the United States a strategic advantage that is feared by the Iranian leadership in this region. This advantage includes an alternative, resilient platform on the African coast, complete with an airfield, port, and over-the-horizon access. Such a base would reduce Houthi influence and provide Washington with operational options that are not solely dependent on Djibouti or partners in the Persian Gulf.
