Tehran: Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has described the United States military aggression against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities as a ‘betrayal of diplomacy’. Araqchi held a phone call with Ronald O. Lamola, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, to discuss recent regional developments following the cessation of military aggression by the Israeli regime and the U.S. against Iran.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the top Iranian diplomat expressed appreciation for South Africa’s stance in condemning the military aggression of the Israeli regime against Iran. He emphasized that the Israeli regime’s illegal attacks on Iran are a consequence of its impunity and the inaction of the international community in response to its crimes in Gaza, as well as its aggressions against Lebanon and Syria. Araqchi stressed that all supporters and justifiers of this regime are complicit in its crimes.
Araqchi noted that the Israeli regime’s military aggression against Iran occurred during ongoing negotiations with the United States. He stated that this aggression happened with the collaboration and support of the U.S., which later conducted its own military aggression against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities. He underscored that the U.S. action was a ‘betrayal of diplomacy and an unprecedented strike against the rule of law, international law, and the non-proliferation regime’.
Lamola, for his part, expressed condolences to Iran and strongly condemned the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iranian territory, particularly its attacks on nuclear facilities. He emphasized that South Africa would utilize all its capacities to uphold the non-proliferation regime and support comprehensive dialogues aimed at maintaining international peace and security.
The two sides also condemned the crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and stressed the urgent need for the international community to act against the gross violations of human rights and the genocide of Palestinians.