South Africa is calling for an immediate ceasefire and talks as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, warning that the conflict threatens global stability and humanitarian conditions.

Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Wednesday, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ronald Lamola said the worsening conflict has raised concerns across the region and beyond, putting pressure on global food and energy systems.

“The escalating tensions in the Middle East have caused great concern and uncertainty in the region, the continent and the world,” Lamola said.

He said the destruction of civilian infrastructure across the region has already begun to trigger inflationary pressures, energy insecurity and food shortages, partly due to disruptions in fertilizer supplies to the agricultural sector.

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South Africa also reiterated its condemnation of actions that violate international law, warning that continued escalation risks undermining global multilateral institutions.

Lamola stressed that the UN Security Council should prioritize humanitarian concerns over geopolitical interests in responding to the crisis.

He said, “Now more than ever, the UN Security Council is called upon to prioritize humanity over geopolitical priorities. This is an existential moment for multilateralism, which must resonate in Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.”

Lamola said he has been in touch with his counterparts in the Gulf region, who have expressed concerns about the escalating conflict and its possible consequences.

“At this stage, there are no open discussions taking place between the warring parties – the United States, Israel and Iran – making the possibility of further escalation of tensions very real,” he said.

South Africa has stated that negotiations are the only viable path to a permanent solution, and has also stated that no military intervention can provide lasting peace.

“As South Africa, we have said that if called upon…we will be ready and available to support any process of peaceful resolution and ceasefire.

Lamola said, “We continue to call for the initiation of negotiations between all warring parties for a peaceful solution, as we always believe that no military solution can be found in this situation that is sustainable. Only through negotiations can a lasting solution be found.”

south africans abroad

The department has urged South African citizens currently in the Middle East to ensure that they are registered with South African diplomatic missions so that their whereabouts can be traced if the situation worsens.

Citizens traveling abroad for business, education or leisure have also been encouraged to register at the nearest South African Embassy or Consulate.

Minister Lamola said South Africans should download the DIRCO Travel Smart app and enter their travel details, provide next of kin information and contact diplomatic missions in the event of a crisis.

The government warned citizens to carefully verify foreign job opportunities after reports of people being misled by fake recruitment schemes and reaching out to conflict-affected areas.

Clayson Monyela, head of public diplomacy at DIRCO, said the government has called on South Africans in the region, particularly in the Gulf states, to register their details with embassies to help authorities identify people who may need assistance.

“We are calling on South Africans to register with us first so we know who is out there and what kind of help they need,” Monyela said.