EFF Slams US Over South Africa’s Iran Military Engagement

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has taken a firm stance against what it calls the United States’ “arrogant posture” following reports that Washington demanded clarity on the visit by South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya to Iran.

In a statement released on Thursday, the EFF condemned the US request and criticised the South African government for allegedly interfering in military affairs, calling such conduct “unbecoming of a constitutional state.”

“We reject, with contempt, this arrogant posture by the United States, which presumes South Africa owes it an explanation for its sovereign diplomatic and military engagements,” the party said.

Defending Sovereignty and BRICS Ties

The EFF framed the visit as a matter of national sovereignty, pointing out South Africa’s right to engage diplomatically, economically, and militarily with any nation, including Iran. The party linked the visit to BRICS cooperation, highlighting that South Africa and Iran collaborate on social, political, and military matters within the multipolar bloc.

The statement also accused Washington of double standards, citing US support for Israel and Ukraine, and argued that Pretoria should not allow American geopolitical priorities to dictate its foreign policy.

Ramaphosa and Political Interference

The EFF did not hold back in criticising President Cyril Ramaphosa, accusing him of downplaying the visit to appease Western powers.

“In reality, he sought to downplay the engagement, anticipating America’s displeasure and bending once more to the need to appease Donald Trump. This cowardly behaviour is consistent with his actions in the Oval Office,” the statement read.

The party urged General Maphwanya and the SANDF to resist political pressure, defending the principle of a military free from partisan interference.

Support for Iran and a Multipolar World

The EFF also framed its position as support for Iran’s right to self-defence and solidarity with Palestine, positioning it as a broader critique of what it calls “imperial aggression.”

“The United States must face the reality that the era of unilateral global dominance is over. The world is shifting towards a multipolar order, where nations engage with each other as equals, not as subordinates of Washington,” the party said.

The EFF’s statement comes amid growing debate over South Africa’s foreign policy choices, social media reactions reflecting both support for a sovereign stance and concern over tensions with the US. For many, the incident underscores the delicate balance Pretoria must navigate between global diplomacy, national sovereignty, and regional alliances.

{Source: IOL}

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