South Africa’s Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, says the government is in contact with South Africans stranded in the Middle East amid escalating tensions and widespread airspace closures.
It has been a fast-moving situation, following the announcement that the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.
In a social media update, Monyela said it is currently impossible to move in or out of several countries as flights remain suspended.
He confirmed diplomatic missions are communicating with citizens, including those in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, through multiple platforms and that evacuation plans are in place.
The government says various intervention options are now being explored as the situation continues to unfold.
Airspaces are closed Mam. It’s impossible to move in or out of those countries. We are in touch with South Africans using various comms platforms. Our systems do work. Every country’s diplomatic mission have evacuations plans. Various interventions & options are being explored. https://t.co/72ZrfdWvEb
— Clayson Monyela (@ClaysonMonyela) March 1, 2026
Cape Town Tourism had earlier issued a travel advisory warning passengers of confirmed global flight disruptions affecting routes to and from South Africa.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirms that the current closure of UAE airspace is affecting flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways thus far.
Current Flight Disruptions:
• O.R. Tambo International (JNB): 8 cancellations (7 outbound and 1 inbound).
• Cape Town… pic.twitter.com/qIAcxxky9A— Airports Company SA (@Airports_ZA) March 1, 2026
It comes amid Iranian retaliatory strikes that have been reported in Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait, all locations hosting US military bases or allied governments.
Dubai’s Airport was struck, resulting in four staff sustaining injuries and receiving prompt medical attention.
The iconic Burj al Arab luxury hotel in Dubai was also on fire on Saturday night after it was struck by debris from an intercepted drone. No injuries were reported.
The iconic Burj al Arab luxury hotel in Dubai was on fire tonight after it was struck by debris from an intercepted drone.
Accoridng to the authorities, no injuries were reported.
Location: 25.141067, 55.185563 pic.twitter.com/oHHgdIBfAb
— Shayan Sardarizadeh (@Shayan86) March 1, 2026
Iranian State Media earlier confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in his office during US-Israeli air strikes on Saturday morning.
Iranian state media confirmed the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early on March 1, in air strikes by Israel and the US that pulverized his central Tehran compound. Follow the full coverage ➡️ https://t.co/nBXZuBuH4B pic.twitter.com/SYtMqApooF
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 1, 2026
In a statement on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump described Khamenei as “one of the most evil people in history” and urged Iranians to “take back their country”.
40 senior Iranian officials were also reportedly killed in the strikes, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran has since vowed what it calls a “devastating” retaliation against US and Israeli targets.
Iran’s Red Crescent says more than 200 people have been killed across the country, including dozens reportedly killed when a girls’ school was hit during the attacks.
In a statement issued on Saturday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for urgent dialogue, warning that the situation threatens global peace and security.
Ramaphosa condemned violations of international law, stressing that a self-defence attack cannot be based on anticipation or assumption.
The President says lasting peace cannot be achieved through military confrontation, calling instead for intensified diplomacy, mediation, and meaningful negotiations to de-escalate the crisis.
