By Micah Jonah
January 23, 2026
South Africa has launched an official inquiry after Iran took part in joint naval exercises with BRICS nations in its territorial waters, a move that has triggered strong backlash from the United States, caused political tension within the country’s own government.
The week long naval drills, tagged Will for Peace 2026, were held near the coastal town of Simons Town, home to a major South African naval base, and involved warships from China, Iran, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, while other BRICS members observed.
Government sources say the participation of Iran may have gone against the instruction of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who reportedly ordered that Tehran be excluded from the exercise due to rising international concerns over Iran’s internal crisis and regional tensions.
Despite the reported directive, Iranian vessels already deployed to South African waters continued to take part in the drills, prompting Washington to accuse South Africa of ignoring presidential authority and aligning with regimes accused of human rights abuses.
United States officials expressed anger that South Africa hosted Iran’s navy at a time when Tehran was accused of violently suppressing nationwide protests that erupted in late December over economic hardship and political grievances. Thousands were reportedly killed or detained during the unrest.
South African authorities initially defended the drills, saying the exercise was necessary to improve maritime safety, protect shipping routes and strengthen cooperation among BRICS nations, insisting the operation was not aimed at any foreign country.
However, political pressure has continued to mount as opposition figures and coalition partners accused the Defence Ministry of acting without proper civilian oversight and exposing the country to diplomatic and economic risks.
Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga has now set up an inquiry panel to determine whether the president’s directive was misrepresented or ignored, with findings expected to be submitted to the presidency within days.
Meanwhile, analysts say the incident highlights growing global tension between the United States and several BRICS members, including China, Russia and Iran, as the bloc expands its influence beyond trade into military and security cooperation.
With relations between Washington and Pretoria already strained over South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, observers warn that the naval drill controversy could further complicate diplomatic ties between the two countries.
