2. From the above, it seems that the US was telling Sudan to stay out of the way and to refrain from helping Hamas. Normally, when a country violates one’s airspace, it is an act of war and you are allowed to defend. If Sudan (as well as Egypt and Saudi Arabia) were in effect helping Israel but letting Israeli planes fly where they aren’t allowed, it suggests that Hamas (and Iran) are deeply unpopular among the Arab countries, which would be significant if Israel is planning to launch an attack against Iran.

3. If the Israelis knew about a ship coming from Iran, there are easier ways of disposing of it other than taking tremendous risks in waiting until it is unloaded in Sudan. The above account should be taken with a very large grain of salt.