President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is prepared to mediate in the escalating Middle East conflict if formally requested, adding that Pretoria stands ready to support efforts aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire.
Speaking to local media on the sidelines of an energy conference in Cape Town, Ramaphosa said the country “is always ready to play a contributing role, either in mediation or whatever,” should an opportunity arise.
He stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path to ending the conflict.
“If the opportunity were to open, we would talk and say there must be a ceasefire. Dialogue is always the best way of ending conflict and then ending the war. And we want this war to come to an end immediately,” he said.
Ramaphosa added that the government is working to assist South Africans stranded in the region.
His comments come amid heightened tensions following months of confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The conflict has widened beyond Gaza, with cross‑border strikes, attacks on shipping routes and retaliatory operations raising fears of a broader regional war.
Iran and Israel have exchanged direct and proxy attacks while the US has carried out strikes against Iran‑aligned groups in response to attacks on its forces and commercial vessels.
The escalation has drawn international concern, with global powers urging de‑escalation to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East.
JN/APA