Iran, South Africa strengthen military cooperation in new partnership
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Iran’s Chief of General Staff and South Africa’s defense commander have agreed to deepen military cooperation, building on political ties and shared positions on global issues.
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Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi (right) meets with Chief of the South African National Defense Force General Rudzani Maphwanya in Tehran on August 12, 2025. (IRNA)
Iran and South Africa’s top military commanders have agreed to take concrete steps toward expanding defense cooperation, framing their partnership as a strategic priority rooted in shared political values and mutual national interests.
The agreement came during a meeting in Tehran on Tuesday between Iranian Chief of General Staff Major General Seyyed Abdolrahim Mousavi and visiting South African National Defense Force Commander General Rudzani Maphwanya. Both sides described the visit as a turning point in Tehran–Pretoria relations.
Major General Mousavi highlighted the political commonalities between Iran and South Africa, calling them a foundation for deeper collaboration on regional and international platforms.
He described the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as the world’s largest anti-terrorism force, with valuable operational experience to share with South Africa. Mousavi added that other branches of Iran’s military, including the Army and the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, have advanced technical, industrial, and military capabilities that could be utilized in joint projects with South Africa’s armed forces.
Shared political stances and anti-terrorism expertise
Mousavi accused the US and "Israel" of committing violations of international law through hostile actions against Iran, warning that the Iranian Armed Forces are prepared to respond decisively to any renewed aggression.
He also commended South Africa for pursuing a genocide case against the occupation at the International Criminal Court, calling it consistent with Iran’s justice-oriented policies.
General Maphwanya recalled Iran’s historic support for South Africa during its anti-apartheid struggle, saying the solidarity forged in that period remains the basis for today’s cooperation. He stressed Pretoria’s interest in expanding defense ties and learning from Iran’s military experience.
