MTN Group has strongly denied recent media reports linking the company to renewed business ties with Iran, reaffirming its strict adherence to all international sanctions and regulatory frameworks. The telecom giant emphasized that it no longer operates in Iran and remains committed to transparent, lawful business practices across all markets.
The South African telecoms company clarified that it holds a 49% stake in Irancell, a position it has maintained since 2006. However, MTN stressed that this investment is passive and that no capital has been deployed into the Iranian business since May 2018, when the United States re-imposed sanctions on Iran following its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
“MTN does not benefit from this interest,” the Group stated. “The Group has not extracted any capital or dividends, nor deployed any capital into the Iran business since May 2018.”
The clarification follows recent reports, including by South African political news outlet Polity, revisiting MTN’s presence in Iran amid geopolitical scrutiny. MTN said it operates in full compliance with global sanctions regulations and maintains legal and ethical standards across its markets.
In 2020, MTN announced a strategic decision to exit the Middle East and focus on its African operations. The Group said the planned exit is being undertaken in an orderly manner, in line with its broader goal to “lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress.”
As of 31 March 2025, MTN reported serving 297 million customers across 16 African markets. It reaffirmed its commitment to human rights, noting that its products are designed to support rather than hinder the rights of individuals.
MTN is also a defendant in U.S. litigation under the Anti-Terrorism Act, linked to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The company denied any involvement in the underlying events, saying it “respectfully defends these cases” and has not been found guilty by any court.
“MTN has deep sympathy for those who have been injured or lost loved ones as a result of the conflicts,” the company said. “We regularly provide updates on these cases in which the Group has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing.”
Addressing speculation about the Group’s influence on foreign policy, MTN emphasized that its corporate decisions are independent of the South African government. Former President Cyril Ramaphosa chaired the company until May 2013. MTN is currently chaired by Mcebisi Jonas.
“Any suggestion that MTN has input into the foreign policy of South Africa is false and misleading,” the statement read.
