Ramaphosa urges dialogue amid Israel-Iran conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for immediate global diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Israel and Iran, warning that the violence is costing lives and threatening economic stability.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Constitutional Court’s 30th anniversary celebrations in Braamfontein, Ramaphosa said only dialogue can bring an end to the hostilities and prevent further devastation.
"The dispute between Israel and Iran should be solved through dialogue. And we say that it must happen immediately, without resorting to further airstrikes or bombs.
"Lives are being lost, and it is actually having a devastating blow on the economies of the world because there’s now uncertainty and prices are beginning to rise."
His remarks come as the United Nations Security Council prepares to meet urgently at the request of Iran, supported by China and Russia, to address the escalating conflict.
Tensions in the region have intensified following a series of cross-border strikes, with growing international concern over the humanitarian and economic impact.
Ramaphosa emphasised that the consequences of the conflict are already being felt in South Africa through rising fuel prices and inflation.
"We are already suffering from price rises in our fuel, because as the conflict is raging in that part of the world, fuel becomes more expensive, which we import at great cost. So we want the conflict to come to an end."
South Africa has long advocated for peaceful conflict resolution and multilateral diplomacy.
Ramaphosa’s latest comments reinforce Pretoria’s position in favour of dialogue and de-escalation in the Middle East.
As global powers prepare for the emergency session at the UN, Ramaphosa’s call adds to a growing chorus urging immediate diplomatic intervention to avoid a wider regional crisis.
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