President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged world leaders to embrace diplomacy and restraint following the dramatic escalation in the Middle East after the United States launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan—on June 22, 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the strikes as a “spectacular military success,” further straining global relations amid an already volatile Israel-Iran conflict.
In a statement issued by presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, Ramaphosa said South Africa was “deeply concerned” about the growing instability in the region. He reiterated South Africa’s long-standing position in support of peaceful negotiation and UN-led dialogue, calling on Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran to engage in a diplomatic resolution to prevent further violence.
“South Africa had hoped President Trump would prioritize dialogue to foster peace,” Magwenya noted, emphasizing the urgent need for international inspections and transparency regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts.
In response to the strikes, Iran condemned the U.S. action as a blatant violation of its sovereignty and vowed a “proportionate response,” insisting its nuclear ambitions remain peaceful.
The global community now watches anxiously as the situation unfolds, with President Ramaphosa’s measured appeal reflecting a growing international demand for de-escalation and multilateral intervention.
As tensions rise, South Africa reaffirms its commitment to non-alignment, conflict resolution, and multilateralism, echoing the voices of many nations hoping for dialogue over destruction.
