The United States has expressed “concern and alarm” over reports that South Africa’s Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) defied a presidential directive by allowing Iran’s participation in the ongoing BRICS+ naval exercises near Simon’s Town.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X on Thursday, January 15, 2026, the US Embassy in Pretoria described Iran as a “destabilising actor and state sponsor of terror,” warning that its inclusion in the joint drills—in any capacity—undermines maritime security and regional stability.
The embassy highlighted the timing as “particularly unconscionable,” noting that South Africa welcomed Iranian forces while Iran’s security apparatus was reportedly shooting, jailing, and torturing citizens amid ongoing pro-democracy protests. It argued that Pretoria cannot “lecture the world on justice while cozying up to Iran” and questioned the country’s claimed non-aligned foreign policy, accusing it of standing with a regime that represses its people and engages in terrorism.
The controversy stems from the multinational “Will for Peace 2026” exercises, led by China and involving BRICS+ nations including Russia, the UAE, and South Africa. Iranian vessels, including the corvette IRIS Naghdi, arrived at Simon’s Town Naval Base last week.
A government source confirmed to to media that President Cyril Ramaphosa allegedly instructed Motshekga to limit Iran to observer status or withdraw it entirely to avoid straining ties with the US. However, the SANDF posted—and later deleted—a Facebook statement indicating that the Naghdi participated in the sea phase alongside ships from other nations.
Conflicting reports suggest Iran scaled back to observer status under pressure, with some vessels departing or remaining docked, though the exact level of involvement remains unclear as the drills, focused on maritime security and joint operations, continue through mid-January.
Neither the South African government nor the SANDF has issued an immediate official response to the US statement. The episode highlights tensions in South Africa’s foreign relations, balancing BRICS partnerships with Western economic ties.