Inquiry Launched into BRICS+ Naval Drills
South Africa's Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, has initiated a formal board of inquiry to investigate the extent of Iran's participation in the recent BRICS+ naval exercises held off the coast of Cape Town. The inquiry, announced on Friday, January 16, 2026, seeks to ascertain whether directives from President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding Iran's involvement were 'misrepresented and/or ignored'.
The multinational drills, officially named 'Will for Peace 2026', took place in False Bay near the Simon's Town Naval Base and concluded on Friday, January 16, 2026. Participants included naval forces from South Africa, China, Russia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Brazil attending as observers.
Presidential Directives Questioned
Reports from local media indicated that President Ramaphosa had instructed that Iran's role in the exercises be downgraded to observer status or that its vessels withdraw from active participation. This alleged directive stemmed from concerns that active Iranian involvement could strain South Africa's relations with the United States. Despite these reported instructions, images and a now-deleted social media post by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) suggested that Iranian warships, including the corvette Naghdi, actively participated in the sea phase of the drills.
International Condemnation and Diplomatic Fallout
The alleged active participation of Iranian vessels drew sharp criticism from the United States Embassy in South Africa. The embassy expressed 'concern and alarm', stating that 'Iran is a destabilising actor and state sponsor of terror, and its inclusion in joint exercises — in any capacity — undermines maritime security and regional stability'. The US also highlighted Iran's ongoing crackdown on protesters, calling South Africa's welcome of Iranian security forces 'particularly unconscionable'.
Minister Motshekga emphasized that President Ramaphosa's instruction was 'clearly communicated to all parties concerned, agreed upon and to be implemented and adhered to'. The board of inquiry has been tasked with submitting a report to the minister within seven days of the exercise's completion. This incident marks the second time in recent months that the South African military has faced scrutiny over its engagements with Iran, following a controversial visit by the army chief to Tehran in August 2025.
5 Comments
Mariposa
Great to see SA asserting its independence! BRICS+ unity is crucial for a multipolar world.
Muchacha
Finally, a global South alignment that challenges old power structures. This is progress.
Bella Ciao
Engaging with Iran is a terrible idea. It jeopardizes our crucial diplomatic and economic ties with the US.
Comandante
Why risk so much for a controversial partnership? This shows poor judgment and strategic miscalculation.
Bermudez
While the principle of non-alignment is important, the apparent disregard for presidential instructions within the SANDF is a worrying sign of internal disarray. This inquiry needs to be thorough and transparent.