South Africa Rejects US Pressure: Will Not Distance Itself from Iran Due to Coercion

On March 16th local time, the South African government stated that it will not distance itself from Iran due to pressure from the United States, emphasizing that South Africa will adhere to an independent foreign policy. South Africa’s Director-General of Foreign Affairs, Zain Dangel, said that South Africa “has no reason to cut ties with Iran,” and pointed out that South Africa has always upheld the non-alignment principle in international affairs and is unwilling to be drawn into the global power rivalry. Previously, the new U.S. ambassador to South Africa, Leo Bohl, publicly criticized South Africa’s diplomatic relations with Iran, claiming it would affect U.S.-South Africa relations. The South African government responded clearly, stating it will not accept external interference in its foreign policy. (CCTV News)