South Africa Ready to Cooperate With Iran on Legal Action Against the United States and Israel Over Alleged International Crimes
Tehran | August 24, 2026 | The Global Journal
South Africa is prepared to cooperate with Iran in pursuing legal action against the United States and Israel over alleged international crimes, according to a statement made by a member of the South African legal delegation at the 11th BRICS Legal Forum 2026 in New Delhi.
During the forum, Hassan Abdolianpour, head of Iran’s Judiciary Bar Association Center, met with Machini, head of the South African legal delegation. The two sides discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in international law and judicial matters.
Call to Move From Dialogue to Practical Action
Abdolianpour praised South Africa’s position on holding Israeli leaders accountable for alleged crimes against Palestinians.
He stressed the importance of moving cooperation between the two countries beyond dialogue and discussions toward “practical and continuous actions.”
He said stronger legal cooperation could help pursue accountability through international legal mechanisms in cases involving alleged violations of international law.
South Africa Reaffirms Support for Iran
Machini reaffirmed his government’s support for the Iranian people and condemned what he described as aggressive actions against Iran as being contrary to international law.
He also highlighted South Africa’s experience in international legal proceedings and expressed a willingness to cooperate with Iran in matters related to international law.
South Africa’s ICJ Experience
Machini specifically referred to South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in which Pretoria has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.
South African legal and diplomatic officials have sought to draw on their experience in international courts and other legal mechanisms when addressing international disputes.
The proposed cooperation with Iran could become part of a broader effort to coordinate on international legal matters.
Potential for Greater Legal Cooperation Within BRICS
The discussions between Iranian and South African legal representatives at the BRICS Legal Forum could open the way for deeper cooperation on international law, judicial matters and potential legal initiatives.
However, no detailed plan has yet been announced regarding what specific legal action could be pursued against the United States or Israel, which international legal mechanisms would be used, or when any formal joint initiative might begin.
Should the proposed cooperation develop into concrete action, it could add a new dimension to debates within BRICS over international law, accountability and the conflicts in the Middle East.
Source: Mehr News Agency and statements by the legal delegations.
