Navigating diplomacy: South Africa's response to Iran-Israel tensions
Image: Jairus Mmutle/ GCIS
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.
"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," the statement read.
'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.
'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.
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Ramaphosa also called 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 in dispute.
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.
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