Iran's President in phone call to Ramaphosa: 'We're determined to prevent tensions'
The Iranian Presidency says President Hassan Rouhani has spoken to President Cyril Ramaphosa and emphasised that country's wish to prevent tensions in the region.
According to a statement on the Iranian Presidency's website, Rouhani called Ramaphosa to discuss regional issues stemming from "the US' illegal sanctions", adding, "We hope that all friendly countries take appropriate stances towards this illegal action and make the US observe the law".
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Iran in the wake of a missile strike on US military bases in Iraq.
Those came in response to Trump's authorisation of the killing of a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani.
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According to Iran's Presidency, Rouhani said about the US: "We must make the Americans understand that the world will not accept their criminal actions.:
Rouhani apparently described South Africa as a friendly country that has always been alongside Iran, adding, "Our people have always been friendly towards the people of South Africa, especially during the fight against apartheid."
The report goes on to say that Ramaphosa called the killing of Soleimani a cowardly act and said, "I was very shocked by the news of Lieut. Gen. Soleimani's martyrdom who was very popular among people. We strongly condemn this action".
Ramaphosa reportedly referred to the importance of developing relations between the two countries in all fields and added: "The two countries' joint economic commission should be more active and look into ways of deepening bilateral relations."