During the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, we wonder about Somalia relations with the two sides of conflict.
As far as we know, Iran-Israel conflict is not new one but this time it exploded to a clear war that killed at least 500 civilians from both sides in 1 week only.
However, let’s take a look at the actual Somali relations with Iran and Israel to know if this conflict can really affect Somalia.
Somalia Relations with Iran
In 2016, Somalia severed diplomatic ties with Iran, expelling its embassy and humanitarian orgs over security concerns.
Somali officials—including the president—have accused Iran of a “subversive agenda” via charities and intelligence activities.
In mid-2024, reports surfaced that Iran offered $50 million to restore ties and gain military/logistical influence in Somalia—conditional on Tehran limiting weapon flows from Yemen’s Houthis to Al-Shabaab.
Somalia Relations with Israel
Somalia once recognized Israel but joined the Arab League boycott in 1974 and has had no formal ties since.
Somalis generally align with Palestine; in 2017, Somalia’s president refused to meet with Netanyahu—publicly backing the Palestinian cause.
Some signals in 2022 hinted at possible diplomatic reopening, but no official restoration has occurred.
Does al-Shabaab Affect Somalia’s Relations with Iran and Israel?
A growing body of regional reports and intelligence—including from Somali government sources—alleges that Iran’s IRGC-Quds Force collaborates clandestinely with Al-Shabaab to route weapons, funds, and facilitate arms trafficking via Somali ports:
These supplies include small arms, explosives, drones, and logistical resources.
A UN expert panel (2025) confirms networks trafficked Iranian-made weapons from Yemen through Somalia into Al-Shabaab hands.
Al-Shabaab is Linked with Iran and Yemen
Iran also allegedly uses charcoal smuggling via Somali ports to raise funds for Houthis and Al-Shabaab.
Though Iran denies direct support, Somali military and intelligence officials assert Al-Shabaab’s rising lethality is linked to foreign-supplied arms from Iran and Yemen.
Iran and Israel conflict may escalate into a wider regional war.
As Iran could deepen its influence across East Africa, leveraging Al-Shabaab and other groups.
Especially if it redirects smuggling routes or funding due to pressure at home.
