Minister Lamola Holds Direct Talks with Iran Amid Middle East Crisis

• DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola held direct talks with Iran’s Foreign Minister amid rising tensions in the Middle East
• He expressed deep concern over the escalating civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian crisis in the region
• Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s call for immediate de-escalation and adherence to international law

SOUTH AFRICA - South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, has reiterated the country’s call for peace in the Middle East following high-level diplomatic engagements with leaders in the region.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Lamola revealed that he had held extensive consultations with several counterparts in Gulf nations affected by the ongoing instability. He also confirmed a “substantive discussion” with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, where the deteriorating situation was a key focus.

Lamola engages Iran on peace

In his post, Lamola expressed deep concern over the rising number of civilian casualties and the worsening humanitarian crisis, stressing the urgent need for intervention.

Read also

SA Government debunks fake Trump–Ramaphosa X exchange

“We reaffirmed our call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities,” he said.

The minister emphasised that South Africa remains firm in its stance that diplomacy is the only sustainable solution to the conflict. He added that meaningful engagement and adherence to international law are essential to achieving a peaceful, just and lasting resolution.

See post here:

Social media reaction

@bompsi said:

"Ironically, the ones who were attacked and victims are the one's requested to abide by the international law instead of the ones who broke and defied the international law."

@TrishStuth said:

"It's so lovely that you have such a cosy relationship with the Iranian Foreign Minister. I expect the food and wine were delightful. Meanwhile, back here in the real world, siding with the Iranian regime is entirely unlikely to benefit a single South African."

@fonzooe said:

"I trust your leadership on these matters. Humanitarian aid is vital. I also hope we find justice and due representation for the victims where we can."

Read also

Government to meet Nigerian officials over alleged Igbo King coronation in Eastern Cape

@curiousmindkzn said:

"You are on the wrong side of history. But what else can you expect from a racist ANC cadre."

@ChumaSamk91253 said:

"The problem lies with the aggressor, Ronald. Iran did nothing wrong. They were attacked and are defending themselves against a runaway train called Donald Trump."

Minister warns of impact of the Middle East conflict

In similar news, Ronald Lamola warned that the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran could trigger oil price spikes, rising food costs and reduced investment flows across Southern Africa. He said the current geopolitical climate, including the war between the United States and Iran and Tehran's retaliation within Gulf Cooperation Council countries, was sending shock waves through societies and creating risks of supply disruptions and energy shocks.

Previously, Briefly News reported that Ronald Lamola weighed in on the United States of America's actions in Venezuela. US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in an operation which began on the night of Friday, 2 January 2025. Maduro and his wife were flown out of the country and taken to the USA, where he will stand trial. He described the US's decision as a violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter, adding that the world could not return to a time when there were no rules or law.

Source: Briefly News