South Africa Considers Nuclear Deals with Russia and Iran Following U.S. Aid Suspension

Pretoria explores nuclear expansion options as tensions with the United States escalate over policy disagreements.

South Africa is evaluating bids from Russia and Iran to expand its civilian nuclear power capacity, aiming to address energy shortages and reduce emissions.
The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order halting aid to South Africa and offering asylum to Afrikaner farmers, citing concerns over land expropriation policies and alleged ties with Iran.
South Africa's Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, stated that the country would not exclude any bidders, including Russia and Iran, if they present the best offers.
The U.S. and South Africa had been negotiating a new civilian nuclear agreement, but Trump's criticisms and executive order may complicate finalizing the deal.
Pretoria denies any current nuclear cooperation with Iran, despite longstanding suspicions of covert ties, and emphasizes its commitment to transparency in its nuclear procurement process.