EFF rejects US demands for explanation over military visit to Iran

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has rejected what it called an “arrogant posture” by the United States (US) after reports that Washington was demanding clarity from Pretoria regarding the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya’s visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a statement issued by the party on Thursday, the EFF stated that South Africa’s diplomatic and military engagements are sovereign and criticised the government for what it described as interference in military matters.

“The EFF notes the recent reports that the United States government has expressed ‘great concern’ and is demanding clarity from South Africa regarding the visit by the Maphwanya to the Islamic Republic of Iran. 

“We reject, with contempt, this arrogant posture by the United States, which presumes that South Africa owes it an explanation for its sovereign diplomatic and military engagements. 

“Equally, we are appalled by our government’s interference with the work of the Military – this is a conduct unbecoming of a constitutional state,” the party said.

The EFF defended South Africa’s right to pursue relationships with any nation, including Iran, and linked the stance to BRICS collaboration. 

It also accused Washington of hypocrisy and highlighted alleged US support for Israel and Ukraine, arguing that South Africa should not be pressured to align its foreign policy with American interests.

“South Africa is an independent nation and we reserve the right to pursue trade, economic, diplomatic, and military relations with whomever we deem fit, including Iran. 

South Africa, along with Iran, is part of the BRICS countries, which collaborate on social, political, and military matters. 

“The enemies of the United States do not automatically constitute themselves as the enemies of South Africa, nor will their shifting hostilities dictate our engagements,” the statement read.

The EFF asserted that the visit to Iran, which it described as planned since 2024, should not be dismissed due to temporary geopolitical disputes between the US and Iran. 

It also accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of distancing himself from the visit, suggesting the president was trying to downplay the engagement to appease Western powers.

“In reality, he sought to downplay the engagement, anticipating America’s displeasure and bending once more to the need to appease Donald Trump. This cowardly behaviour is consistent with his behaviour when he was in the Oval Office, unable to assert South Africa’s independence in the face of imperial arrogance,” the statement claimed.

The EFF called for the SANDF to maintain independence from political interference, urging General Maphwanya to resist any attempts by politicians to control the army.

The party also framed support for Iran’s right to self-defence and its alliance with Palestine as a principled stand against what it described as imperial aggression.

“The most concerning issue in this regard is the apparent political interference with the military by the President and his executive. We support the independence of the military whose activities cannot be dictated to by politicians, including their commander in chief,” the statement read.

The party urged the South African government to remain firm and principled, insisting that national diplomacy and security decisions be made without succumbing to external pressure or emotion.

“The United States must face the reality that the era of unilateral global dominance is over. The world is shifting towards a multipolar order, where nations engage with each other as equals, not as subordinates of Washington. 

The EFF, therefore, calls on the South African government to remain firm and principled, and to assert our right to determine our diplomatic, economic, and military relations,” the statement read.

thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za

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