South Africa has opened an inquiry into Iran’s participation in recent BRICS+ naval exercises held in its waters, the defence ministry said on Friday, following reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa had sought Tehran’s withdrawal from the drills.
A Russian vessle sails next to an Iranian vessel in False Bay, near the Simon’s Town Naval base on the last day of the BRICS Plus countries which include China, Russia and Iran for a joint naval exercises in South Africa’s waters, in Cape Town, South Africa, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Esa Alexander
Defense Minister Angie Motshekga launched the probe to determine whether Ramaphosa’s instructions regarding Iran’s involvement were misrepresented or ignored, the ministry said in a statement.
The week-long naval exercises involved BRICS+ countries, including China, Russia and Iran, and took place in South African waters near Cape Town. Images from the final day of the drills showed an Iranian vessel sailing in False Bay close to the Simon’s Town naval base.
As reported in Reuters, according to South African news outlet Daily Maverick, Ramaphosa had requested that Iran pull out of the exercises due to concerns that its participation could harm South Africa’s relationship with the United States.
The defense ministry said the president’s directive had been clearly communicated, agreed upon and was meant to be implemented by all parties involved. The inquiry will now examine whether those instructions were followed.
