In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, Pretoria urged all parties involved in the crisis to exercise maximum restraint, stressing that violence would only worsen the situation.
The South African government has voiced deep concerns over the ongoing unrest in Iran, which has reportedly led to the loss of lives.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, Pretoria urged all parties involved in the crisis to exercise maximum restraint, stressing that violence would only worsen the situation.
“The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint,” the statement read.
The government emphasized that the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association are universal human rights that must be respected without exception.
“We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace,” the Presidency added.
South Africa further noted that sustainable peace and stability in Iran can only be achieved through solutions that prioritize the agency and aspirations of the Iranian people.
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, had lashed out at Iran over the “killing of thousands of protesters.”
In a video posted by the Department of State on Wednesday, Trump was quoted as saying: "We don't want to see what's happening in Iran happen. You know, if they want to have protests that's one thing. When they start killing thousands of people, and now you're telling me about hanging, well we'll see how that works out for them.”
Earlier on Tuesday, SaharaReporters, quoting AFP, reported that the White House said President Trump was keeping all options open on Iran following reports of protesters being killed, even as behind-the-scenes diplomatic contacts continued.
Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said the president was considering a range of responses to developments in Iran, including possible military action, while also prioritising diplomacy.
"One thing President Trump is very good at is always keeping all of his options on the table. And air strikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table for the commander in chief,” Leavitt told reporters outside the West Wing.
She emphasised that “diplomacy is always the first option for the president,” noting a contrast between Iran’s public posture and its private communications.
"What you’re hearing publicly from the Iranian regime is quite different from the messages the administration is receiving privately, and I think the president has an interest in exploring those messages,” Leavitt said.
According to the White House, Iran has taken a “far different tone” in private discussions with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Iran’s foreign ministry had earlier said a channel of communication remained open between its top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, and Witkoff, despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington.
Trump said on Sunday that the US military was considering “very strong options” against Iran, adding that it “looks like” Tehran had crossed his previously stated red line over protesters being killed.
He said Iranian leaders had reached out to request a meeting but cautioned that “we may have to act before a meeting.”
Rights groups have reported a rising death toll, with information continuing to emerge from Iran despite internet shutdown.
Leavitt appeared to confirm the reports, saying, “He certainly doesn’t want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran, and unfortunately that’s something we’re seeing right now.”