The offensive raises serious concerns under international law, including violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pretoria has said
Government has expressed “profound” concern regarding the attacks conducted by Israel on targets within Iran on Friday, including reported impacts on military areas, nuclear facilities, and civilian infrastructure.
On Friday, AFP reported that Iran called Israel’s wave of strikes a declaration of war, while US President Donald Trump warned Tehran of “even more brutal” attacks if it does not make a deal on its nuclear programme.
On Friday nights, Iran had launched retaliatory attacks on Israel, with rapid airstrikes and explosions recorded in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the country’s two largest cities.
In Pretoria, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties alongside military personnel.
“These actions raise serious concerns under international law, including the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of civilians enshrined in the UN Charter and international humanitarian law,” said Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.
“South Africa notes with particular concern the implications for nuclear safety and security arising from attacks in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. We recall the firm stance of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) General Conference, reflected in resolutions such as GC(XXIX)/RES/444 and GC(XXXIV)/RES/533, against armed attacks on peaceful nuclear installations as violations of the UN (United Nations) Charter and international law.”
South Africa emphasized that anticipatory self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter requires clear evidence of an imminent armed attack, which Phiri said does not appear substantiated in this instance.
“We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes. South Africa urges maximum restraint by all parties and calls for the urgent intensification of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote stability in the Middle East,” said Phiri.
“We support ongoing bilateral discussions, such as those between the USA and Iran, and reaffirm the critical importance of establishing a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in the Middle East.”
AFP reported that Israel said its air strikes had killed several top generals, including most of the senior leadership of the Revolutionary Guards’ air force, while hitting about 100 targets, including nuclear facilities.
