Pretoria Commends Pakistan’s Role in Brokering Iran-US Truce

South Africa has welcomed Pakistan’s role as a key mediator in the Iran war, brokering a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the US.

Pakistan cast itself as an unlikely diplomatic broker on Wednesday, saying it had helped secure the ceasefire. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said he would host talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the war, beginning on 10 April 2026.

Lamola’s Comments

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola , speaking to his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar in a telephone call on Thursday, welcomed the mediation efforts.

“We continue to call for a cessation of all hostilities and strict adherence to international law to prevent further regional escalation. We note the ongoing initiatives aimed at a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.”

“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations must be respected, and in accordance with international humanitarian law, civilians and infrastructure must never be targeted.”

Lamola added that Pretoria urged all parties to engage in “good-faith” negotiations.

“We reaffirm our support for impartial mediation and commend Pakistan’s leadership in restoring the primacy of diplomacy in the region.”

The Ceasefire

The US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday in an 11th-hour bid to avert all-out destruction, with President Donald Trump threatening to wipe out a “whole civilisation.”

Trump backtracked on his threats, saying the ceasefire deal was a “total and complete victory” for Washington.

According to Washington, the US will suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks, and Tehran will temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz , a vital global oil thoroughfare.

Ramaphosa’s Response

On Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the ceasefire.

“We note the current initiatives and ongoing efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive end to the conflict in the Middle East. We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire and are hopeful that it will lay the basis for a permanent resolution of the conflict.”

“South Africa once again calls for dialogue and mediation to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property, and to ensure a just, sustainable and lasting peace.”

Ramaphosa called on all countries to respect “international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations.”

The Bottom Line

Pakistan brokered the truce. South Africa commends the effort. The ceasefire is two weeks long. The talks in Islamabad are starting.

Diplomacy is back on the table. The world is watching. And Pretoria is calling for good-faith negotiations.