In an interview, Zane Dangor, director-general of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation, described both the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliatory attacks on neighbouring Gulf states as violations of international law. He emphasised that such actions breach the UN Charter and undermine global norms. Dangor stressed that South Africa's position is guided by legal principles rather than political alliances.
Zane Dangor, director-general of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), addressed the recent escalation in the Middle East during an interview on 2 March 2026. He asserted that the US-Israeli strikes on Iran constitute an unlawful use of force under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits threats or use of force against another state's territorial integrity. Dangor noted that only the UN Security Council can authorise such actions, or a state may respond under Article 51 to an actual armed attack, but anticipatory self-defence is not permitted.
He referenced the 1999 International Court of Justice case involving the Democratic Republic of Congo against Uganda, where the court ruled that preconditions for self-defence did not exist, deeming the intervention illegal. Dangor warned that allowing pre-emptive actions could lead to immense abuse.
Regarding Iran's response, Dangor stated it is disproportionate and not directed at the origin of the attacks, which sources indicate came solely from Israel. He explained that Article 51 requires responses to be proportionate and targeted, and there is no evidence linking US bases in Gulf states to the initial strikes. Thus, attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council states breach these principles.
Dangor highlighted that negotiations facilitated by Oman were progressing, with Iran agreeing not to enrich uranium for military purposes—going beyond the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was abandoned by former US President Donald Trump. He met US Vice President JD Vance to discuss these talks, expressing hope for further progress.
On South Africa's foreign policy, Dangor clarified that positions are based on law, not relations with the US or Iran, drawing parallels to its stance on Russia's actions in Ukraine. Dirco issued a statement criticising Iran's crackdown on protesters, calling for respect of fundamental freedoms, and abstained from a UN resolution to advocate for an independent investigation considering geopolitical context and reports of armed protesters.
With airspace closed, Dirco is assisting about 2,000 South Africans in the region seeking information, though evacuation is currently impossible. Dangor expressed concern that disregarding international law promotes a 'might-is-right' approach, potentially leading to more conflicts. South Africa, not currently on the UN Security Council, plans to support resolutions upholding legal principles in upcoming debates.
