South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep concern over the United States’ recent military involvement in the growing conflict between Israel and Iran. His remarks come in response to Washington’s decision to join Israel in a bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday.
Ramaphosa urged all parties—particularly the US, Israel, and Iran—to allow the United Nations the space to mediate and pursue a peaceful resolution, warning of the grave implications of continued military escalation.
The US strikes have triggered a wave of global reactions, ranging from condemnation to alarm over the potential for a broader regional conflict. While some nations cited the danger posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, others emphasized the urgent need for restraint.
In an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council held Sunday at Iran’s request, UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced strong alarm over the US-led military action.
“Two days ago, in this very chamber, I made a direct appeal: give peace a chance. That call was not heeded,” Guterres said, describing the strikes as a “perilous turn in a region that is already reeling.”
He reiterated his consistent opposition to any form of military escalation in the Middle East and warned of dire consequences if the cycle of violence continues.
“Iran has vowed to defend itself by all means necessary,” he said, adding, “but the people of this region cannot endure another cycle of destruction.”
Guterres called on all sides to resist falling into “a rat hole of retaliation after retaliation,” and stressed that only diplomacy can offer a sustainable path forward.
The rising tensions come at a time of heightened instability in the Middle East, raising fears that the conflict could quickly spiral into a broader war unless urgent diplomatic steps are taken.
