Hatami Praises South Africa’s Stance; Mafwanya Says Iran Visit Sends Political Message

According to Rokna, citing the Army, Major General Amir Hatami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, in his meeting with General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, stated that the two countries, grounded in anti-colonial, anti-arrogance, and justice-seeking approaches, share numerous political commonalities, particularly in international arenas. He noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran and South Africa have always supported each other and oppressed nations, and that this path toward restoring an international order based on justice and human dignity must continue.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, referring to the courageous stance of the South African government against the genocide committed by the Zionist regime and its act of filing a complaint against this regime with the International Court of Justice, described this measure as a brave action that will be remembered in history.

Major General Hatami, emphasizing that today the oppressed people of Gaza are in need of tangible support from governments and international bodies, added: unfortunately, due to the influence of the United States and certain Western powers, such support remains largely verbal rather than practical, and as a result, the crimes of this regime continue unabated.

Addressing the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army stated: the Zionist regime and the United States violated international regulations during their aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and employed all their capabilities to inflict harm upon the country. Not only did they fail to achieve their objectives, but their defeat in the face of missile strikes by the Islamic Republic of Iran compelled them to request a ceasefire. In this twelve-day imposed war, the resolute stance of South Africa in condemning the Zionist regime and the United States was both courageous and commendable.

Major General Hatami affirmed that the African continent is a priority in the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and, naturally, given the close political and international outlooks of the two countries, South Africa holds a special place.

The Army Commander, noting that many of the capacities of the two countries in bilateral relations and cooperation—particularly in the military domain—can be utilized and developed, expressed hope that these capacities could be translated into practical programs for advancing joint cooperation.

General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, in this meeting conveyed the greetings and regards of the South African Minister of Defence and President to the people of Iran, and stated: the Republic of South Africa and the Islamic Republic of Iran share common goals; we always stand alongside the oppressed and the defenseless around the world.

He continued: I express my condolences to the people of Gaza and Palestine, who are being bombed while standing in line for food, and I condemn this act.

General Maphwanya: Our visit to Iran carries a political message.

The Chief of the South African National Defence Force, stating that they condemn the actions of the Zionist regime in Gaza and the West Bank, which are in line with the regime’s settlement policies, said: for this reason, we have filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice to ensure that those responsible for genocide are brought to justice.

General Maphwanya added: for a long time, there has been mutual respect between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of South Africa, and we seek to deepen relations in all fields, especially in the area of defense cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In conclusion, referring to the objectives of his visit to Tehran, he said: this visit is not merely a military trip but also carries a political message, and it has taken place at the best possible time in order to convey our heartfelt sentiments to the peace-loving people of Iran.