Iran and Ethiopia have a security deal – here’s why they signed it

Ethiopian police march at a past event in in Meskel Square, Addis Ababa.

Photo credit: Xinhua

Ethiopia and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 6, 2025. Under it, their national police agencies will cooperate on security and intelligence. This will include combating cross-border crime, sharing intelligence and building capacity. They will also share experiences and training.

For Iran, the MoU marks a significant step towards strengthening relations with a regional power that’s strategically located in the Horn of Africa.