Pretoria hails US–Iran memorandum as decisive step toward ending Middle East war

Pretoria has welcomed a memorandum of understanding signed electronically by the United States and Iran that aims to end military operations in the Middle East, extend a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Deal signed, Tehran says it is in effect

The article reports that US President Donald Trump and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the memorandum on Wednesday. The agreement, the source says, includes provisions for Iran to dilute its enriched uranium in return for large-scale economic relief and a $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by nations across the region. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said late on Wednesday that the agreement had gone into effect.

Pretoria describes an immediate and permanent end to military operations

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) in Pretoria welcomed the signing and described it as declaring the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Dirco said the memorandum included an undertaking by the parties not to initiate any war or any military operation, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other.

Minister Lamola: negotiation, not war

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said:

“The agreement between the United States and Iran, hopefully, ends the unlawful use of force and violations of the UN Charter in this war. South Africa has consistently called for international disputes to be settled by negotiation – not war.”

He added:

“All countries, particularly developing countries, have felt the economic repercussions of this war. This MoU thus provides the framework for durable peace and regional stability in the Middle East as it reaffirms the need for peace and the respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States,”

Economic implications and multilateral process

Dirco said the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would be critical to stabilise volatility in global oil markets and to alleviate energy and food security challenges faced by developing countries. The department also welcomed the memorandum’s undertaking to terminate all types of sanctions against Iran, saying this would bring relief to the Iranian people.

The department said, consistent with South Africa’s view, the MoU provides an opportunity to address outstanding issues within the framework of multilateralism, through the International Atomic Energy Agency and the United Nations Security Council.

Regional partners and a call for lasting peace

Pretoria expressed appreciation to Pakistan, the Sultanate of Oman and Qatar and other countries that played a “positive role” in the process, thanking them for their commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement. The international relations department encouraged all parties to work towards a just and lasting peace, stability and development in the Middle East and beyond.

Dirco recalled the words of Nelson Mandela:

‘No problem is so deep that it cannot be overcome, given the will of all parties, through discussion and negotiation rather than force and violence.’