South Africa Expresses Concern Over Escalating Gulf Crisis
South Africa has voiced deep concern over the rapidly escalating crisis in the Gulf region, following the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, subsequent retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the region, and the continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The nation’s position highlights the growing tensions and the potential for a wider conflict with serious implications for regional and international peace and security.
In a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Pretoria emphasized that the current escalation stems from the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the region and the continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon. According to the South African government, the sequence of attacks and counter-attacks has significantly heightened tensions across the Gulf and the broader Middle East, raising fears that the conflict could spiral into a broader regional confrontation.
Pretoria reiterated its earlier condemnation of what it described as unlawful attacks carried out by Israel and the United States against Iran. The statement stressed that such actions violate the United Nations Charter, specifically Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state. “These principles are fundamental to the international rules-based order and must be upheld by all member states,” the statement said, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international law in times of crisis.
South Africa also voiced alarm over Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon, saying the attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and the displacement of communities. The government described the operations as a serious violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that such actions risk further destabilizing an already volatile region.
At the same time, Pretoria condemned retaliatory actions by Iran targeting several Gulf countries, noting that these responses threaten to broaden the scope of the conflict. While acknowledging that Iran has the right to defend itself against states that engaged in armed attacks against it, South Africa stressed that strikes directed at countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council do not fall within the limits permitted under international law.
According to the statement, Article 51 of the United Nations Charter allows the use of force strictly in cases of legitimate self-defence following an armed attack. Pretoria argued that attacks against Gulf states that were not directly involved in hostilities violate their sovereignty and risk igniting a broader regional conflagration. “Such attacks heighten the risk of a wider war that could engulf the region,” the statement warned.
South Africa reaffirmed that international law places strict limitations on the use of military force, underscoring that self-defence under Article 51 must follow a clear armed attack. The government also reiterated that international law does not recognize pre-emptive or anticipatory self-defence. Any military action carried out outside these parameters, it said, is unlawful and undermines global peace and security.
Pretoria urged all parties involved in the crisis to exercise maximum restraint and ensure that any actions taken remain fully consistent with international law. The government echoed warnings issued by Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres, who recently cautioned that the region is approaching a “dangerous tipping point.” According to the UN chief, continued escalation could have devastating consequences for civilian populations and pose a serious threat to international stability.
South Africa also stressed the urgent need to revive diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. The government pointed to recent engagements surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme as a potential pathway toward rebuilding trust and lowering the risk of confrontation. However, Pretoria warned that continued military escalation threatens to undermine these diplomatic efforts and diminish the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“Escalatory actions jeopardise the progress made through diplomatic engagement and risk pushing the region further toward instability,” the statement noted. South Africa reiterated its long-standing position that there is no military solution to the current crisis and called on all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation. The government urged regional and international actors to avoid further confrontation and return to negotiations through established multilateral mechanisms under the auspices of the United Nations.
In addition, Pretoria echoed calls by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, urging all states to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law during the ongoing crisis. The South African government stressed that protecting civilians and respecting humanitarian principles must remain a central priority as tensions continue to rise.
“States must act in a manner consistent with the principles of our shared humanity,” the statement said. South Africa further affirmed its readiness to work with the United Nations and regional partners in efforts aimed at restoring calm and promoting a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
As diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, Pretoria warned that the stakes remain extremely high, with the potential for miscalculation or further escalation threatening not only the Gulf region but global stability as well. The statement reiterated South Africa’s commitment to international law, multilateral diplomacy, and peaceful conflict resolution, while urging all parties involved in the current crisis to step back from confrontation and pursue constructive dialogue.
