CAPE TOWN – The Iranian Ambassador to South Africa, Mansoor Shakibmehr, engaged with a group of prominent local stakeholders in a closed-door dialogue session in Cape Town this week, addressing pressing questions on regional security and Iran’s nuclear policy.

The gathering, which took place on Wednesday, June 25, at the Hyatt Hotel near Bo-Kaap, was attended by influential figures from the clergy, civil society, and the media. Radio 786 was among the participants.

The session focused on the aftermath of Israel’s attack on Iran on June 13, which has reportedly left more than 606 people dead and over 5,300 injured. Questions posed to the ambassador ranged from Iran’s state of preparedness in the face of Israeli aggression to the prospects for a ceasefire, and the future trajectory of Iran’s nuclear program.

While a majority of the audience — comprising religious leaders and social justice activists — expressed support for Iran’s stance of resistance, the ambassador also fielded pointed and critical inquiries, reflecting a robust and open exchange.

Ambassador Shakibmehr offered insights into Iran’s strategic posture, reaffirming the country’s commitment to self-determination and its right to pursue peaceful nuclear development, while calling for international accountability in the wake of what he described as unjustified aggression by Israel.