News

OHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa cut all crude oil imports from Iran in June amid heavy European and U.S. sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program, a monthly government report shows, cutting off another major source of cash for the crude-dependent Middle Eastern nation.

Despite those other links, South Africa’s economy depends on trade with the U.S., meaning any cut into that would hurt a country already hobbled by a weakened economy, said Scott Firsing, a fellow at the South African Institute of International Affairs.

‘‘South Africa needs the U.S. by far more than it needs Iran,’’ Firsing said.