S-Africa condemns Israeli assaults on Iran

(MENAFN) The South African government has condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran last Friday, which reportedly struck military sites, nuclear facilities, and civilian infrastructure. Iran described the attacks as a declaration of war, while US President Donald Trump demanded Iran make a deal on its nuclear program and hinted at “even more brutal” action if it failed to do so.

In retaliation, Iran launched its own attacks against Israel on Friday night, causing explosions in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) expressed deep concern over civilian and military casualties.

Chrispin Phiri, a spokesperson for South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, stressed that the attacks raised serious questions under international law — particularly regarding sovereignty, the protection of civilians, and the safety of nuclear facilities. Phiri cited the International Atomic Energy Agency's resolutions against attacks on peaceful nuclear sites and stated that the conditions for anticipatory self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter were not demonstrated in this case.

South Africa extended condolences to Iran's government and the families of the victims and called on all parties to show maximum restraint and pursue diplomatic solutions to ease tensions. Phiri reiterated South Africa’s strong support for peace and stability in the Middle East and for the eventual establishment of a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the region.

AFP reported that Israeli strikes killed several senior generals — including key members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards — and struck nearly 100 targets, many of which were related to Iran’s nuclear facilities.

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