ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the historical and contemporary development of Iranian-African discourse. It discusses the ways in which Iran and African states talk to each other in the public and diplomatic realms, particularly in how their rapport has been steeped in rhetoric around 'Third World' or 'global South' solidarity, religious sentiments and regional security. After decolonization began after the Second World War, states in the global South often engaged with one another through a bridge of 'Third World speech' or 'Third Worldism'—a discourse that presaged the emergence of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In 2003 Iran announced its plans to develop facilities that could produce enriched uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) paid several visits to the country and insisted all details be revealed. Ahmadinejad's refusal to allow inspections by the IAEA led to four sets of international sanctions against Iran in 2006 and 2007.
