Fact Check: 'Cyril' tells Donald Trump SA will send troops to Iran
- The escalating situation between the US and Iran has people in Mzansi on edge
- This wasn't helped by a social media post by President Donald Trump, claiming 'Cyril' agreed to sign up South African troops
- Briefly.co.za explores the facts behind this post in order to determine if there is any semblance of truth to it
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The tensions between Iran and the United States of America escalated with a 'revenge attack' on two US military bases in Iraq.
Briefly.co.za reported that over 12 missiles were launched at the US bases, prompting fears over what the US' response to the situation would be.
This was made worse when a social media post from US President Donald Trump started circling, claiming SA was on board to join the fight:
"Just spoke to Cyril, South Africans will be conscripted if we need them. Let's stop Iran!"
READ ALSO: Iran attacked 2 United States military bases stationed in Iraq
The public's overall reaction to this claim was a general unwillingness to get involved in someone else's war, prompting dismay at the thought of President Cyril Ramaphosa approving Trump's alleged request.
The Presidency caught wind of the social media post, with Ramaphosa's Head of Digital Communications Athi Geleba commenting:
"Presidential Harassment! Fake News!"
So any fears of Mzansi being drawn into a war, on either side of the fight, have evaporated. Currently, South Africa has managed to maintain solid relations with both countries, save for a few minor squabbles with Trump.
The situation in Iran, however, is far grimmer. Local reports claim that 80 US troops were killed in the attack in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The Americans on the other hand, deny any casualties thus far with President Trump expected to make an announcement concerning the incident soon.
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Source: Briefly News
