ISLAMABAD: South Africa has firmly stated that it sees no reason to sever diplomatic ties with Iran, directly countering recent comments from the new United States ambassador who described the association as an impediment to stronger bilateral relations with Washington. Zane Dangor, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, made the declaration in Johannesburg on March 16, 2026, emphasizing Pretoria’s commitment to an autonomous foreign policy free from external dictates.
The remarks come amid escalating diplomatic friction between Pretoria and Washington, triggered by Ambassador Leo Brent Bozell III’s public criticism. In his initial media engagements since assuming the post, Bozell was quoted by News24 as saying that South Africa’s “association with Iran is an impediment to good relations with the United States.” This statement followed his address at a conference in Cape Town, where he highlighted concerns over Pretoria’s foreign policy choices, including its ties with Tehran.
Dangor responded unequivocally, asserting that South Africa would not be drawn into “sphere of influence politics.” He clarified that while Pretoria maintains relations with Iran, it is not uncritical of Tehran’s actions. The South African government has previously condemned Iran’s crackdown on protesters in January and its involvement in regional conflicts, including attacks on neighbors amid the ongoing war with the United States.
The exchange underscores deeper strains in US-South Africa relations since the start of the second Trump administration. Tensions have intensified over multiple issues, including South Africa’s ICJ case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, its participation in BRICS alongside Russia and China, and domestic policies such as affirmative action and land reform, which US officials have labeled as problematic.
South Africa’s ties with Iran date back decades, rooted in shared anti-imperialist sentiments from the apartheid era and post-1994 solidarity. Bilateral cooperation has expanded into economic, military, and energy sectors. Recent engagements include discussions on nuclear cooperation and military exchanges, though these have drawn scrutiny amid Iran’s adversarial stance toward the US and its allies.
Analysts note that Pretoria’s position reflects its broader non-aligned approach, prioritizing sovereignty in foreign affairs. Despite US aid cuts and executive orders targeting South Africa over perceived anti-Western policies, the government has sought to balance relations. President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed willingness to improve ties with Washington but has not signaled any retreat from engagements with Iran.
The ambassador’s comments prompted a formal response from South Africa. The US envoy was summoned to explain his “undiplomatic remarks,” leading to an apology and expression of regret during the meeting. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola confirmed the démarche, highlighting Pretoria’s sensitivity to perceived interference in its diplomatic choices.
This episode occurs against the backdrop of heightened Middle East instability, including US-Israeli military actions against Iran. South Africa has positioned itself as a potential mediator, with Ramaphosa urging an end to escalation and offering to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
Observers point out that South Africa’s stance may be bolstered by its growing economic leverage through BRICS and mineral exports, reducing vulnerability to Western pressure. However, critics argue that close alignment with Iran risks isolating Pretoria from key trading partners and investment sources in the West.
Dangor’s statement reinforces Pretoria’s long-standing principle of independent decision-making in international relations. He reiterated that South Africa values constructive engagement with all nations, including the United States, but will not compromise its principles or partnerships at external urging.
The development highlights the challenges facing South Africa in navigating a multipolar world. As global alliances shift amid conflicts in the Middle East and elsewhere, Pretoria’s refusal to distance itself from Iran signals a broader assertion of strategic autonomy, even as it invites continued diplomatic friction with Washington.