⁍ Deal could also set in motion steps by Sudan toward establishing diplomatic relations with Israel.

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⁍ Sudan’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism dates back to its toppled ruler Omar al-Bashir.

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⁍ Many in Sudan see this as undeserved since Bashir was removed last year.

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– The Trump administration is close to an agreement with Sudan to remove Khartoum from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism and an announcement could be made in coming days, two US officials tell Reuters. The deal could also set in motion steps by Sudan toward establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, following similar US-brokered moves in recent weeks by the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The designation as a state sponsor of terrorism dates back to its toppled ruler Omar al-Bashir, and makes it difficult for its transitional government to access urgently needed debt relief and foreign financing. Many in Sudan see this as undeserved since Bashir was removed last year and Sudan has long cooperated with the US on counter-terrorism. A key sticking point in US-Sudan talks has been Sudan’s insistence that any announcement of Khartoum’s de-listing not be explicitly linked to normalization with Israel.