South African government officials express opposition to US pressure to sever Iran relations.
South Africa has delivered a firm rejection of US demands, refusing Washington’s calls to cut ties with Iran. South Africa’s Director-General of Foreign Affairs Zane Dangor made clear that Pretoria won’t be drawn into great-power sphere-of-influence politics—including by the United States. The pushback comes as South Africa–US relations hit a historic low under Trump, who imposed tariffs on South African imports and repeated discredited claims about white persecution. The US has also criticized South Africa’s foreign policy, trade rules, and legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Dangor acknowledged areas of genuine disagreement with Iran but insisted relationships with developing nations cannot be dictated by Washington’s bilateral grievances.
Reuters