Ramaphosa voices concerns over US role in escalating Iran-Israel conflict

As the world grapples with the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a cautious statement calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution. 

The statement, released on Sunday, reflects the country's delicate diplomatic position, given its warm relations with Iran and its history of criticising Israel's actions in Gaza.

Ramaphosa's statement expressed "anxiety" over the US involvement in the conflict, urging President Donald Trump to use his influence to prevail on the parties to pursue a dialogue path. 

“President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government have noted with a great deal of anxiety the entry by the United States of America into the Israel-Iran war," the statement read. 

“It was South Africa’s sincerest hope that President Donald Trump would use his influence and that of the US government to prevail on the parties to pursue a dialogue path in resolving their issues of dispute.

“South Africa calls on the United States, Israel, and Iran to give the United Nations the opportunity and space to lead on the peaceful resolution of the matters of dispute, including the inspection and verification of Iran's status of uranium enrichment, as well as its broader nuclear capacity,” the statement reads.

South Africa's response to the conflict is complicated by its relations with Iran and Israel. 

As a fellow BRICS member, South Africa has warm diplomatic relations with Iran.

However, the country has also been a staunch critic of Israel's conduct in Gaza, culminating in a landmark International Court of Justice case accusing Israel of genocide.

Pretoria has publicly cut diplomatic ties with Israel, formally downgrading the embassy. 

The international community has reacted to the conflict with varying degrees of condemnation and support. 

Political analyst Dr John Molepo said the government has sought to portray itself as a champion of the Global South, a defender of international law, and a broker of multipolar diplomacy. 

“Ramaphosa's measured response reflects the complexities of this balancing act, as the country seeks to maintain its relationships with both Iran and the US while upholding its commitment to peaceful resolution and international law,” Molepo said.

Trump said US air strikes on Sunday "totally obliterated" Iran's main nuclear sites, as Washington joined Israel's war with Tehran in a flashpoint moment for the Middle East.

In a televised address to the nation from the White House, Trump warned that the US would go after more targets if Iran did not make peace quickly.

Condemning the US attacks as "lawless and criminal," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country has a right to defend its sovereignty.

"The events this morning are outrageous and will have everlasting consequences," he posted on X.

"Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest, and people."

Not long after, sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and explosions were heard from Jerusalem as Iranian state TV announced a fresh salvo of missiles launched.

Cape Argus