By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider
The South African government has condemned the US/Israeli attack on Iran this past weekend, which saw the killing of The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. South Africa feels that these air strikes against Iran are a breach of International Law.
“Article 51 of the UN Charter provides for self-defence only when a state has been subjected to an armed invasion” said President Cyril Ramaphosa in a statement as he dismissed the validity of the United States’ justification that Iran is building nuclear weapons.
“Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under International Law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation” Ramaphosa said further in the statement. Ramaphosa further added that military action cannot be used to solve political disputes as has called for some diplomacy in order to resolve the conflict.
The South African government has stood in solidarity with Iran for years, mainly under the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) and has even been admitted into BRICS.
South Africa has also supported Iran at the United Nations (UN) regarding the Human Rights abuses against its citizens and even refused to condemn the economic crisis which saw the crash of the Iranian rial and also saw citizens observing demonstrations against their government which began in December 2025.
South Africa has also maintained military cooperation with Iran as the Chief of the South African National Defense Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya had led a delegation of senior officers to Iran’s capital, Tehran, in order to meet the Iranian Military.
This was immediately condemned and criticised publicly by both Ramaphosa and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola as they criticised him for making foreign policy without their consultation.
Another controversy had begun to spark for South Africa when in January Iranian warships were facilitated in Simon’s Town Harbour for joint naval exercises. Ramaphosa reportedly never authorized that Iran would be participating in the naval exercises.
Within the context of the Government of National Unity (GNU) the ANCs ties with Iran have caused some disruption and disagreement, specifically with the Democratic Alliance.
“In light of the US attacks on Iran, however, South Africa must abide by the GNUs statement of intent and maintain strategic non-alignment. Our main focus should be upholding the constitution in our foreign endeavours and maximising trade through non-aligned economic diplomacy” said DA international relations spokesperson Ryan Smith, after the weekend attacks in Iran.
“The current theocratic dictatorship in Iran is also responsible for the most brutal massacre of innocent civilians in recent history. These countries are the single biggest threat to the International rules-based order and liberal democracies such as our own” Smith continued.