CAPE TOWN: Iran’s ambassador offered safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for South African cargoes Wednesday and urged all BRICS nations to demand an end to US-Israel “aggression.”
South Africa’s links with Iran are a sticking point in its relations with the United States, which joined Israel in launching the Middle East conflict with strikes nearly three weeks ago.
Tehran appreciated Pretoria’s condemnation of the attack and its refusal to cut ties after complaints from Washington, ambassador Mansour Shakib Mehr told journalists.
“We have a very close dialogue and exchange,” he said.
Iran had not “blocked” the crucial Strait of Hormuz but was allowing the passage of “friendly countries” such as China and India, he said.
