Ramaphosa urges dialogue after US strikes Iran
WATCH: Rising tensions as missiles light up the skies
This follows US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites — a move Ramaphosa says risks further destabilising the region. The president says South Africa had hoped that Donald Trump would use his influence to encourage dialogue, not confrontation.
Ramaphosa is now urging all parties — the US, Israel, and Iran — to give the United Nations space to lead mediation efforts.
That includes independent inspection of Iran's nuclear facilities and renewed commitment to peace talks.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, says the government's strong support for diplomacy and the urgent need to avoid military escalation.
South Africa urges dialogue to end Israel-Iran conflict https://t.co/y5IainJiUP
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) June 22, 2025
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'It would be key individuals whom they know the sanction would affect their operations. 'At this point, I am not sure who they are targeting,' she said. AfriForum, which had been accused of badmouthing the country in the US, welcomed the bill as a weapon to implement targeted sanctions against corrupt and extremist South African politicians. "AfriForum maintains that ordinary citizens should not be punished for the extremism and corruption of politicians. 'AfriForum has never advocated for sanctions that target South Africa as a whole. 'Therefore, the introduction of targeted sanctions against these politicians will be a welcome development,' said AfriForum's public relations head, Ernst van Zyl. Ramaphosa took a wait-and-see stance, saying the bill still has a long way to go before reaching the final stage, as after the House of Representatives vote, it will proceed to the Senate for final consideration. 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