A report released by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) cites “credible” evidence that Iran is engaged in activities aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

This is a direct contravention of Resolution 1929 of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which was adopted to guarantee the “peaceful nature” of the country’s nuclear programme.

As a United Nations (UN) member, South Africa is bound by Security Council Resolutions.

I will today be writing to the Minister of International Relations, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, to request that South Africa uses its current chairmanship of the UNSC to advocate for decisive international action against Iran should the country continue to ignore its UN commitments relating to nuclear proliferation.

In addition, I will urge that South Africa take action to reduce its reliance on Iranian crude oil.

A phased approach to sanctions on Iranian oil imports will give Energy Minister Dipuo Peters an opportunity to secure alternative oil supplies, so that South Africa’s energy needs are not placed in jeopardy.

South Africa imports 25% of its crude oil supply from Iran and was among the top ten buyers of Iranian crude oil in 2011.

To date, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has been non-committal on its support for the sanctions, indicating that it is still “deciding how to respond”.

President Zuma and DIRCO must act on their professed commitment to a principled global order, greater alignment of multilateral and regional responses to international challenges and the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons by committing South Africa to the phasing in of sanctions against Iran.

The United States, Japan and the European Union have recently taken steps to phase in sanctions and limit the purchase of Iranian oil.

DIRCO’s indecision on this matter points to an increasingly rudderless foreign policy. We must use our leverage as a key buyer of Iranian oil, and influential voice on the UNSC, to send a clear message that the violation of the UN’s resolutions on nuclear non-proliferation will not be tolerated.