SA and Iran strengthen ties after US‑Iran memorandum, Pretoria says

South Africa and Iran have stepped up diplomatic engagement following talks in Pretoria between Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka and Iran’s Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said.

Who met and what was agreed

Dirco said Deputy Minister Moraka hosted her Iranian counterpart in Pretoria for discussions that reaffirmed support for the US‑Iran peace memorandum. The department quoted Moraka as reiterating views previously expressed by Minister Ronald Lamola.

“South Africa has consistently called for international disputes to be settled by negotiation, not war.”

Support for the memorandum and implementation

Dirco said Dr Khatibzadeh briefed Moraka on the latest developments around the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MoU). Moraka affirmed that South Africa stands ready to support all parties to ensure momentum towards peace is not lost, the department said.

Strait of Hormuz and regional implications

Both deputy ministers welcomed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Dirco said the reopening is paramount for ensuring the energy and food security of the continent, noting that African countries were adversely affected during the strait’s closure.

What the memorandum says, according to Dirco

Dirco described the MoU as a landmark agreement to end military operations. The department said the US and Iran electronically signed the memorandum on Wednesday, and that the deal involves Tehran diluting its enriched uranium in return for large‑scale economic relief and a $300 billion (R4.9 trillion) reconstruction fund backed by regional nations.

Pretoria, Dirco said, hailed the agreement as a decisive step toward peace, stability and respect for international law in the Middle East, and urged regional actors to work towards full implementation of the MoU and the conclusion of a final agreement.