In Slap at Trump, South Africa Hints at Nuclear Deals with Iran, Russia

South Africa responds to criticism of President Donald Trump's expropriation law and its foreign policy, suggesting that it is ready to work with Iran and Russia in developing nuclear power plants within the country.

Reuters It has been reported Monday:

South Africa can rely on Russia or Iran to expand its private nuclear power capabilities, senior government minister said analysts in the stance lift Together with the United States, we will further delay the renewal of our strategic energy agreement.

South Africa, which operates Kaeberg, Africa's only nuclear power plant, is set to add 2,500 megawatts New capacity We will tackle electricity shutdowns that are plaguing the economy and reduce emissions.

“There is no contract that Iran or Russia should not bid, there is no such condition,” said Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, one of the key supporters of the government expanding its nuclear capabilities. Ta.

Mantashe is one of the most offensive members of the African National Congress (ANC) that controls him in dealing with Trump's criticism. Threat Last week, it separated the US from South Africa's mineral supply.

The Mantashe threat could be complicated by the ANC, the Opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), and other efforts to smooth out the growing disparity between the two countries visiting Washington, DC in the next two weeks .

Trump's executive order halted aid to South Africa earlier this month and offered asylum to African farmers due to concerns over a new expropriation law that would allow the South African government to seize property without compensation.

In the text of the order, Trump said: “South Africa has acquired an active position towards the United States and its allies, including denouncement of Israel and not Hamas, rather than genocide in the International Court of Justice, and has reinvigorated and developed relations with Iran. Commercial, military and nuclear arrangements.”