Ramaphosa speaks on US involvement in Iran-Israel conflict

AS THE world grapples with the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a cautious statement calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution.

- MASHUDU SADIKE [e-mail]

The statement, released on Sunday, reflects the country's delicate diplomatic position, given its warm relations with Iran and its history of criticising Israel's actions in Gaza.

Ramaphosa's statement expressed “anxiety” over the US involvement in the conflict, urging President Donald Trump to use his influence to prevail on the parties to pursue a dialogue path.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government have noted with a great deal of anxiety the entry by the United States of America into the Israel-Iran war,” the statement read.

“It was South Africa's sincerest hope that President Donald Trump would use his influence and that of the US government to prevail on the parties to pursue a dialogue path in resolving their issues of dispute.