The US walking out from the Iran nuclear deal has created a furor over the whole world and its ripples are being felt across Africa. Though reactions from many countries in Africa are awaited, President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep concern at the US decision to withdraw from the deal and called it as a setback.
US President announced recently his country’s decision to come out of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between P5 plus one and Islamic Republic of Iran. P5 is made of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, such as China, France, Russia, United Kingdom plus Germany. While Germany and France lobbied hard with US not to walk out of the nuclear deal till the time a new international nuclear deal is evolved, afer consultations among the stakeholders.
Ramphosa said that as a matter of principle South Africa supports multinational diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflict. Under the JCPOA, Iran was allowed to pursue the development of its nuclear capabilities for civilian purposes. Significantly, despite US withdrawing from the agreement, P5 plus one have made their intention known that they would not walk out of the deal. It is too early to predict what would be the course of action of some these countries like France, Germany and the United Kingdom, since there will be heavy US pressure. .
The immediate reason for the US developing cold feet for approving the nuclear deal is the alleged involvement of Iran and Russia in the Syrian and Ukrainian turmoil. Also, the US apprehends that the Iran might use its nuclear capabilities for developing weaponry. Iran-US stand-off is taking place at a time when the world economy is coming out of the slowdown blues. Because of the tension and friction that are looming large, oil prices are looming up. Sanctions on Iran would also mean that there will be trade and investment embargo. Iran has fairly good investment and trade with some of the African countries.
