South Africa’s growing relationship with Iran is increasingly seen as a challenge to its ties with the United States.
While tensions over South Africa’s refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022-2023 once dominated the diplomatic landscape, the focus has shifted to its partnership with Tehran. This includes efforts to develop commercial, military, and nuclear connections, which have raised concerns in Washington.
The US has already cut aid to South Africa over these issues, particularly after Pretoria’s International Court of Justice case against Israel and its strengthening ties with Iran.
Despite the risk to its economy, notably in the health sector, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) continues to champion its relationship with Iran. Senior ANC leaders recently hosted the Iranian ambassador, emphasizing the “warm and cordial” ties. This has intensified scrutiny from US officials, who have warned of potential sanctions following Iranian warships’ visits to South Africa.
Although South Africa’s economic ties with Iran are limited, the ANC’s deep historical ties with Iran, dating back to the 1979 revolution, persist. Critics argue that the country may be paying a high diplomatic price for the ANC’s revolutionary nostalgia, with economic and geopolitical consequences at stake.