OpinionANC’s long friendship with Iran has come at a cost:
The SA government has for many years faithfully defended Iran at the UN.
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-03-01-ancs-long-friendship-with-iran-has-come-at-a-cost/
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South Africa’s Costly Alliance with Iran RevealedSince 1979, South Africa has backed Iran politically despite UN human rights condemnations and strained Western ties.
Key FactsMar 2, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- South Africa has consistently supported Iran at the UN, abstaining or opposing resolutions condemning Tehran’s human rights abuses.
- Economic and military ties, including oil imports and joint naval exercises, have caused diplomatic friction with Western nations.
- Unauthorized participation of Iranian warships in a BRICS naval exercise exposed coordination failures within South Africa’s government.
- This alliance has deepened internal political divisions and worsened relations with South Africa’s Jewish community.
Anticipatory self-defence is not permitted under international law and self-defence cannot be based on assumption or anticipation.— Cyril Ramaphosa, in a statement explaining that Article 51 does not justify pre-emptive action against Iran
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