In a telephone conversation on Thursday, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola extended condolences over the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, a number of officials, senior commanders, and Iranian citizens during the military aggression by the United States and Israel, and conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the South African government and people with Iran.

Araqchi, for his part, appreciated the message of condolence and South Africa’s position in condemning the attacks by the US and the Israeli apartheid regime against Iran. He called for all independent countries to adopt a clear and firm stance in denouncing the crimes of the aggressors against the Iranian nation.

Explaining the latest regional developments, Araqchi noted that the war had been imposed on Iran and the region by the United States and the occupying Zionist regime, adding that Iran is defending its sovereignty, national security, and territorial integrity.

Referring to the US and Israeli military aggression against Iran as the main cause of insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, Araqchi stressed that Iran’s actions to prevent the passage of vessels linked to the aggressors are based on international law and aimed at safeguarding Iran’s national security against unlawful attacks. At the same time, he said, the Islamic Republic of Iran has adopted a responsible approach by facilitating the safe passage of non-hostile vessels through coordination with relevant Iranian authorities.

Lamola, for his part, pointed to South Africa’s principled positions in condemning any resort to force and the need to respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries. He emphasized the necessity of finding just solutions to end the war and establish peace and stability in the region.

The foreign ministers of Iran and South Africa also underscored the continuation of consultations between officials of the two countries on political, economic, and regional issues.

The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.

The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.