South African Government Continues Antagonizing U.S.

South Africa is defiant, refusing to distance itself from the Islamic Republic despite U.S. Ambassador Brent Bozell stating that “an association with Iran is an impediment to good relations with the United States.” Instead, Pretoria has doubled down on its position within the anti-U.S. bloc.

South Africa Will Not ‘Cut Ties With Iran’

With the U.S.-Iran war raging, Zane Dangor, director-general of South Africa’s foreign ministry, declared, “We ​have not any reason to cut ties with Iran.”

The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, is a longtime friend of the clerical regime in Tehran. The two countries view themselves as part of an anti-Western, anti-imperialist order and are key members of the Chinese-led BRICS bloc.

Pretoria averted its gaze as Tehran massacred 30,000 of its own people during anti-regime protests in January. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his support for the “right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association” but failed to condemn Iran.

Ramaphosa meekly called for “restraint and dialogue” to resolve the situation, while Pretoria abstained on a UN Human Rights Council resolution condemning Iran. The Democratic Alliance, South Africa’s second-largest party, criticized the ANC’s silence, comparing Tehran’s repression to key massacres during the struggle against apartheid.

The close Tehran-Pretoria relationship caused controversy in January when South Africa hosted an Iranian naval delegation at the height of Iran’s crackdown on protesters. But this should not be a problem in the foreseeable future — much of Iran’s navy lies at the bottom of the sea.

Not only has Pretoria not cut ties with Iran, but it has reiterated its support for Iran’s dictatorial regime. Ramaphosa dispatched a letter to the regime to express his condolences following the elimination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while the ANC sent an official delegation to the Iranian Embassy to pay tribute.

This stands in stark contrast to Pretoria recalling its ambassador from Israel, its parliament voting to shutter the Israeli Embassy in South Africa, and the government’s decision to expel Israel’s top diplomat in South Africa in January 2026 for offering to assist rural South Africans with water and agricultural development, allegedly without properly informing the government in Pretoria.

Deteriorating Ties With Washington

Dangor’s statement of solidarity with Iran came amid deteriorating ties with the United States. President Donald Trump began his second term with an executive order canceling all aid to South Africa. He then declared South Africa’s ambassador to the United States persona non grata and stonewalled his successor.

Bozell started his tenure in February with an attempt to reduce friction in the relationship. However, his comments criticizing the South African government for its treatment of its white minority and Pretoria’s close ties to Iran earned him official censure. Bozell apologized, but tensions remain high.

South Africa Positions Itself in the Anti-American Axis

While scuffling with America politically, Pretoria has been growing closer to American adversaries. In a veiled swipe at Washington, Brazilian President Lula da Silva told Ramaphosa in March that Brazil and South Africa had to prepare themselves for a possible invasion. Ramaphosa responded by saying, “We have a lot to learn from each other.”

Earlier in March, the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with Rosatom, Russia’s state atomic energy corporation. South Africa previously signed a deal with Rosatom in 2014, shortly after Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Rosatom-related companies have helped develop weapons used against Ukraine, while Rosatom — whose senior officials are sanctioned by the U.S. government — has helped expand China’s nuclear weapons arsenal.

China, meanwhile, signed a major economic partnership agreement with South Africa in February. Starting on May 1, South Africa will have duty-free access to the Chinese market.

South Africa has rightly earned its spot as an ally of America’s foes. Washington should not ease trade restrictions on South Africa — whether through reduction of tariffs or allowing South Africa to benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act — until it distances itself from the enemies of the West.

David May is a research manager and senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). For more analysis from the author and FDD, please subscribe HERE. Follow David on X @DavidSamuelMay. Follow FDD on X @FDD. FDD is a Washington, DC-based, nonpartisan research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy.