The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East, calling on Gulf nations to show restraint. Dirco spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said South Africa maintains its firm conviction that military action cannot resolve the crisis. "This moment requires a renewed commitment to diplomacy. We call on all stakeholders to prioritize de-escalation, avoid further confrontation and return [to the negotiating table]," Phiri stated.
Phiri noted that Dirco's concerns extend beyond the strikes on Iran and its subsequent retaliatory actions, encompassing the attacks that have also been carried out against Lebanon. "These developments risk exacerbating the conflict with serious implications for regional and international peace and security," he warned. South Africa continues to condemn what it describes as "illegal attacks" by the US and Israel on Iran, arguing that these actions breach the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
While condemning the initial strikes, South Africa has also criticised Iran's retaliatory attacks on several Gulf states. "Although Iran has the right to defend itself against the states that have carried out armed attacks against it, the action is inconsistent with the UN Charter, as it violates the sovereignty of the states concerned," Phiri explained. He added that the government is equally troubled by Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon, describing them as a serious violation of Lebanese sovereignty that further destabilises the region.
Dubai International Airport was forced to temporarily halt all operations on Saturday following a drone attack in close proximity to the facility. Emirati authorities confirmed that an object was intercepted in the air near the airport, with eyewitnesses reporting a loud explosion and a plume of smoke. "The air defense of the United Arab Emirates is currently responding to missile and drone threats coming from Iran," the Emirati Ministry of Defense confirmed. Emirates, the largest carrier in the Middle East, suspended all flights to and from Dubai before later resuming operations. Authorities confirmed a minor incident caused by falling debris after the interception, with no injuries reported.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared in a televised address on Saturday that his country would never capitulate, responding to US President Donald Trump's demand on Friday that only Iran's "unconditional surrender" could bring the war to an end. "Iran's enemies must take their wish for the unconditional surrender of the Iranian people to their graves," Pezeshkian said. He also offered an apology to Iran's Gulf neighbours, stating they would only face attacks if their territories were used as staging grounds for strikes against Iran. Israel meanwhile launched fresh airstrikes on Tehran and Isfahan following an overnight bombardment involving 80 fighter jets, while explosions and air raid sirens were reported in Jerusalem.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced on Saturday that they had struck an oil tanker in the Gulf, stating that the vessel named Prima was hit by an exploding drone after repeated warnings about the closure and insecurity of the Strait of Hormuz went unheeded. The US State Department approved the "emergency" sale of 12,000 bomb casings to Israel as the conflict escalates. Separately, Iran's embassy in Pretoria disclosed that it had received a letter of condolence from President Cyril Ramaphosa following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli attacks. "Iran and South Africa have a deep-rooted friendship," the embassy stated.
