South Africa could turn to Russia or Iran to expand its civilian nuclear power capacity, a senior government minister said, a stance analysts say could deepen a rift with the United States and further delay the renewal of a strategic energy pact.

The move by Africa's largest economy would mark a significant turn away from the US and toward Washington's rivals.

South Africa is exploring new allies in its bid to expand nuclear power, with Russia and Iran emerging as possible partners. ・South Africa is considering Russia and Iran as potential partners for expanding nuclear power capacity.

South Africa is under scrutiny from Washington after President Donald Trump issued a far-reaching executive order this month halting aid. Among other criticisms, the order claimed without providing evidence, that South Africa was "reinvigorating its relations with Iran to develop commercial, military and nuclear arrangements".