WANA (Aug 12) – Iran’s Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics stated that the country is closely monitoring enemy movements and stands fully prepared for any new acts of adventurism.

 

In a meeting in Tehran with General Rudzani Maphwanya, Commander of the South African National Defence Force, Brigadier General Pilot Aziz Nasirzadeh noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always maintained friendly relations based on mutual respect with South Africa. He added that these ties are rooted in shared values such as resistance against oppression, apartheid, discrimination, colonialism, as well as the pursuit of independence, human dignity, and justice.

 

The Iranian defense minister emphasized that, due to its geopolitical, geostrategic, and geoeconomic position, South Africa plays an influential role in regional and global developments. He praised South Africa’s independent and courageous policies on international issues as a model worthy of admiration.

 

Expressing gratitude for the South African government’s stance in condemning the Israeli regime’s “desperate act” against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Nasirzadeh described Pretoria’s courageous initiative to file a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice as a historic step in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.

 

He said the two countries share common positions on major issues such as combating injustice in the international system, opposing unilateralism, rejecting the hegemony of the powers, addressing human rights matters, and fighting terrorism. He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to engage in consultations with friendly nations, including South Africa, in line with its political and international capacities.

Referring to the 12-day war imposed by the Israeli regime, Nasirzadeh said it proved to the world the lack of commitment by Israel and the United States to international principles and norms. He stressed that Israel’s attacks on nuclear facilities, various military, civilian, medical, and residential areas, as well as the assassination of Iranian commanders and scientists along with their families—while negotiations with the United States were ongoing—were clear examples of state terrorism, supported by Washington.

 

The minister continued that, based on its legitimate right, the Islamic Republic of Iran delivered a decisive and firm response to Israel—so much so that the enemy, through intermediaries, requested a ceasefire. Iran, seeking to prevent the crisis from escalating, agreed to their request. “Nevertheless, we are closely monitoring enemy movements and are fully prepared for any new adventurism,” he affirmed.

 

Nasirzadeh noted that the blow dealt to Israel was unprecedented in the regime’s “dark history,” adding that Israel has imposed strict censorship to conceal the extent of its losses, though its own officials know well the damage they sustained.

 

For his part, General Rudzani Maphwanya expressed his disgust at the actions of the Israeli regime and the genocide of the people of Gaza. He highlighted the shared positions of Iran and South Africa in defending the oppressed Palestinian nation, noting that the ideals of the late leaders Nelson Mandela and Imam Khomeini (RA) in fighting injustice and discrimination bear many similarities.

 

He also pointed to the strategic and geopolitical role of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Persian Gulf and West Asia, stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two independent states.

 

General Maphwanya concluded by emphasizing that, given the geopolitical standing and BRICS membership of both nations, his visit symbolizes a desire for greater solidarity and unity between Iran and South Africa.

General Rudzani Maphwanya, Commander of the South African National Defence Force, meeting with Major General Mousavi Social media/ WANA News Agency

General Rudzani Maphwanya, Commander of the South African National Defence Force, meeting with Major General Mousavi Social media/ WANA News Agency