Lamola navigates Middle East conflict: Calls for accountability amid unlawful invasion

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has asserted that while Iran maintains a sovereign right to self-defence, the nation has also breached international law during the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel.

In response to a written question from the MK Party regarding South Africa’s stance on unilateral military escalations and targeted killings, Lamola took a balanced but critical view of the regional instability.

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The Minister noted that Tehran’s reaction to being attacked—specifically the targeting of American and other assets within Gulf States such as the UAE and Qatar—constituted a violation of international protocols. Lamola clarified that while Iran has a right to self-protection under Article 51 of the UN Charter, responding against states from which the initial attacks did not emanate is a breach of law.

However, Lamola was equally firm in his condemnation of the US and Israeli military actions. He highlighted what he termed the "massacre of school children" in Iran during the initial days of what he described as an "unlawful invasion" by the two nations.

The Minister expressed concern over the current international response, noting:

"There have been resolutions at the United Nations Security Council and at the Human Rights Council which condemned only Iran for attacks on Gulf States, while absolving Israel and the USA for its crimes, including the crime of aggression and war crimes."

Lamola emphasised that South Africa’s foreign policy remains rooted in impartiality. He stated that the country will only support balanced resolutions that hold all parties accountable for their actions. According to the Minister, this even-handed approach is the only viable basis for opening diplomatic channels and bringing an end to the war.