South Africa has expressed deep concern about the rapidly escalating conflict in the Gulf region, warning that continued military action could widen the crisis and threaten international peace and security.
In a statement released on Saturday, the country’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation said it was alarmed by recent developments involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as the growing instability spreading across the region.
“South Africa expressed ‘deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Gulf, arising from the use of force by the United States and Israel against Iran, the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran across the region, and the ongoing attacks by Israel on Lebanon,’” the department said.
Tensions in the Middle East have intensified in recent days following a series of strikes and counter-strikes involving several regional actors. Iran has launched retaliatory attacks after US-Israeli military operations targeting sites in the Islamic Republic, while Israel has also carried out attacks linked to Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.
Several Gulf states have reported missile and drone activity in recent days, raising fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.
South Africa warned that the situation carries serious risks for both regional stability and the wider international community. “These developments risk widening the conflict with grave implications for regional and international peace and security,” the department said.
The government called on all parties involved in the crisis to avoid further escalation and to act within the framework of international law.
The statement urged “all parties to exercise maximum restraint and ensure that any actions taken are fully consistent with international law,” while stressing that dialogue remains the only viable path toward resolving the crisis.
Officials in Pretoria reiterated their long-standing view that armed confrontation will not bring lasting stability to the region. The statement highlighted that “South Africa remains steadfast in its belief that there is no military solution to this crisis.”
Instead, the government called for renewed diplomatic engagement through international institutions. It urged “all stakeholders to prioritize de-escalation, avoid further confrontation, and return to negotiations through established multilateral mechanisms under the auspices of the United Nations.”
South Africa also stressed the importance of protecting civilians and upholding global legal standards during the conflict. The statement said the country “echoes the call of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for all states to uphold international human rights and humanitarian law, and to act in a manner consistent with the principles of our shared humanity.”
Pretoria indicated that it is prepared to play a constructive role in diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring calm in the region. The government said it is “ready to support the United Nations and regional partners in efforts to restore calm and advance a just, lasting, and peaceful resolution.”
The statement reflects growing international concern that the conflict could expand beyond the immediate parties involved, increasing instability across the Middle East and affecting global security.
