uMkhonto weSizwe Party criticises US military strikes on Iran
MK Party calls for global solidarity against US aggression in Iran
Image: Atta Kenare / AFP
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has issued a stern condemnation of the United States' recent military assault on Iran's nuclear facilities, describing it as an unjustifiable act of aggression that threatens global peace and sovereignty.
In a statement released on Sunday, the MK Party denounced the attack carried out overnight against strategic sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow as a flagrant violation of international law and an escalation of unilateral military actions that undermine efforts toward diplomacy and stability.
According to the MK Party, the US strikes, which involved Tomahawk missiles and GBU-57 bunker-busters, lacked authorisation from the United Nations Security Council.
'This reckless act is not defence; it is an outright declaration of war against the Iranian people,' the statement declared.
'It disregards Iran's sovereignty and the principles of peace, self-determination, and non-intervention that underpin international law.'
The party highlighted the tragic irony of Western claims of 'deterrence,' pointing out that such military actions often mask imperial ambitions.
'This is not genuine security,' the MK Party stated. 'War disguised as diplomacy is an escalation that risks spiralling into broader regional conflict.'
Drawing parallels to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the MK Party recalled how false intelligence-specifically, specifically the alleged weapons of mass destruction, was used to justify a devastating war that claimed millions of lives.
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'Once again, we see Western powers manufacturing narratives to justify their imperial interventions,' said the party.
'Today, the target is Iran; tomorrow, it could be any nation that dares to challenge the global order dictated by the West.'
The MK Party called on the international community, particularly African nations, BRICS, and the Non-Aligned Movement, to reject this new wave of militarism.
'Diplomacy must be prioritised over violence,' the statement urged.
'Iran has the right to self-defence under the UN Charter, and we must reopen diplomatic channels to seek peaceful solutions.'
The party also urged accountability for the destruction and loss of civilian lives, adding that the ongoing violence threatens regional stability.
'As President Jacob Zuma once warned, 'The path of the powerful is not always the path of the just,'' the MK Party stated.
'We must stand against the arrogance of global powers who bomb nations under the guise of security while sowing insecurity everywhere.'
Expressing deep concern, the MK Party affirmed its support for oppressed peoples worldwide, including Palestinians, Venezuelans, Cubans, Congolese communities, and South Africans.
'The recent attack on Iran is part of a broader pattern of foreign aggression,' the statement read.
'We stand in solidarity with those resisting imperial domination and call for a united front rooted in justice and mutual respect.'
The MK Party warned of the dangers of escalation, including the potential disruption of vital trade routes and the threat of nuclear proliferation.
'This act could plunge the region- and the entire world- into deeper chaos,' it warned. 'Civilian casualties are inevitable, and prospects for peace are further diminished.'
The party also condemned Western media's role in shaping narratives that justify such aggression.
'Weeks ago, South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa was falsely accused of 'white genocide,' a narrative pushed by the same interests now celebrating bombing Iran,' the statement pointed out.
'The same outlets demonised our land reform efforts and social progress, and now they vilify Iran-this is part of a pattern of distortion to justify imperial crimes.'
The MK Party called for African nations to take a moral stand.
'Africa must rise with clarity of purpose, reject neocolonial aggression, and advocate for a multipolar world grounded in Ubuntu, justice, and mutual respect,' the statement declared.
'This is not just about Iran; it is about every nation's right to sovereignty and dignity.'
The party reaffirmed its commitment to non-alignment, international law, and Pan-African diplomacy in pursuit of lasting peace.
'We pray for all innocent civilians caught in this conflict and for an end to the cycle of violence,' the statement concluded. 'The path forward is solidarity, resistance, and unwavering commitment to justice.'
thabo.makwakwa@inl.co.za
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The strikes hit uranium enrichment sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. 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Next Stay Close ✕ He expressed hope that his move would open the door to a more lasting peace, where Iran no longer had the potential to become a nuclear power. The Israel prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, hailed the strikes and congratulated Trump, saying his bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with 'the awesome and righteous might of the US will change history'. However, experts said Iran's nuclear programme does not exist. Civil nuclear engineer, Hugo Kruger, a South African who is based in Paris, said this is the propaganda that the US and Israel have pushed to attack Iran. He said it has not been confirmed that Iran has nuclear weapon capabilities, adding that Trump has driven the US into the war based on the information that has never been confirmed, even by the US intelligence agencies. He said this could be another narrative and a lie about another world war. 'Even the agencies did not confirm this, and Donald Trump at the moment, is driving the US into on the basis of information that has never been confirmed. He is spreading this incredible propaganda in the Western countries,' Kruger said. He said the US has the power to act against the nuclear programme and would have suspended it if it had existed. He said the US has legal and procedural frameworks for inspecting nuclear weapons, adding that this could also influence international laws. Kruger said this should be stopped, adding that South Africa and other countries must take a stance. 'This will stop the conflict because Israel will not be able to resist this pressure. They must do it through the United Nations,' he said. International relations expert, Dr Noluthando Phungula, said the conflict is bound to harm the entire world, including South Africa. "Oil prices quickly surged up 7% by Friday afternoon and the attacks prompted an instantaneous reaction on the global markets. This will have a dire impact on the dependent developing world due to oil price increases, she said, adding that this also suggests that 'we' may be facing another period of sharply higher energy prices. 'Consequently, almost everything, petrol, gas, and food, will cost more.' She said this reality was seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict a few years ago, affecting people's lives around the globe. Phungula also warned that other countries in the region could be drawn in, should the attacks continue. Meanwhile, the MK Party condemned the attack, saying it constitutes a direct violation of international law, sovereignty, and the foundational principles of peace, self-determination and non-intervention. The party said this is a declaration of war against the Iranian people, the majority of whom are innocent civilians. 'American officials, without shame or restraint, confirmed these strikes as deliberate and coordinated. President Donald Trump described the attacks as successful, a chilling reminder of how easily Western leaders disguise destruction as diplomacy. The US feigned diplomacy and struck in the dark. "The MK Party calls on the international community, especially the African Union, BRICS nations and the Non-Aligned Movement, to reject this new cycle of militarism and unilateral attacks on sovereign nations. As Iran prepares to defend itself, there has to be a reopening of diplomatic channels and full accountability for the lives lost and infrastructure destroyed,' the party said in a statement. President Cyril Ramaphosa also called on the three countries to give the UN an opportunity and space to lead on the peaceful resolution of the matters of dispute, including inspection and verification of Iran's status of uranium enrichment, as well as its broader nuclear capacity.
