US EditionSouth Africa probes Iran's role in BRICS+ naval drills
South Africa investigates military officials for ignoring presidential orders amid Iran's deadly protest crackdown and US criticism during the BRICS+ naval drills.
- On Friday, the South African Defence Ministry launched an investigation into Iranian warships' participation, and a board of inquiry will determine if President Cyril Ramaphosa's instructions were misrepresented or ignored.
- This past week, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa sharply criticised Pretoria for hosting Iranian ships during the China-led Will for Peace 2026 drills, as reports said Iranian warships had already arrived in Cape Town when an order to turn them around was issued.
- The South African National Defence Force said Iran sent two Iranian warships while the AP saw a third Iranian warship in Simon's Town, and images showed at least one Iranian vessel at sea, with a defence ministry social media post listing an Iranian corvette later removed.
- DA leaders have pressed Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to report Iran to the UNHRC while observers warned the drills risked harming Pretoria's ties with Washington and key trading partners.
- Against a backdrop of BRICS+ expansion, the U.S. embassy in Pretoria said Iran's inclusion undermined maritime security and was unconscionable given more than 2,600 deaths, complicating South Africa's non-alignment.
59 Articles
59 Articles
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A week-long naval exercise off the South African coast involving the navies of China, Russia and the UAE has stirred debate over whether the primary purpose of Brics is evolving in the emerging post-Western global order. The exercise, held from January 9 to 16 under the banner “Will for Peace 2026”, was described by host nation South Africa as a routine maritime safety and interoperability operation. Officials said the drills aimed to improve co…
South Africa to probe Iran’s role in naval drills that angered US
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Pretoria, which is trying to repair strained relations with the United States. Ties have worsened under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has accused South Africa of anti-American policies, imposed steep trade tariffs
The U.S. criticized South Africa for allowing Iran to participate in naval exercises off the coast of Cape Town, after contradictory versions of the Islamic Republic’s role in maneuvers. “Iran’s participation in joint exercises, in any field, undermines maritime security and regional stability,” the U.S. Embassy stated in a publication released on Thursday night. “South Africa cannot lecture the world on justice while agreeing with Iran.” Warshi…
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