JOHANNESBURG – The United States has issued a sharply worded statement expressing alarm over South Africa’s decision to allow Iranian naval forces to participate in ongoing multinational exercises off Simon’s Town.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed this week that Iran’s Corvette Naghdi is actively taking part in the sea phase of Exercise Will for Peace 2026, a multinational maritime drill that began on 13 January 2026. The exercise involves vessels from several nations, including South Africa, China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. Observers from Ethiopia, Egypt, and Indonesia are also present.
According to the SANDF, the exercises focus on maritime safety, joint operational readiness, humanitarian cooperation, and shipping security. Participating vessels include the UAE Corvette Bani Yas, Russian Corvette Stoikiy, South African Frigate SAS Amatola, Iranian Corvette Naghdi, and the Chinese Destroyer Tangshan.
The announcement comes amid confusion over Iran’s role in the exercise. Initial media reports suggested that Iran had reduced its participation or withdrawn entirely under political pressure, including concerns that the country’s involvement might complicate AGOA trade negotiations and broader diplomatic relations.
However, military analyst Darren Olivier, Director at African Defence Review, confirmed that the Iranian ship “headed out to sea alongside other warships,” contradicting earlier assurances from South African officials that Tehran had agreed to withdraw.
US Embassy Reacts
On 15 January 2026, the United States Embassy in South Africa released a statement condemning the decision. The embassy described Iran as a “destabilising actor and state sponsor of terror” and warned that its involvement in the exercises undermines both maritime security and regional stability.
“The United States notes with concern and alarm reports that the Minister of Defence and SANDF defied a government order regarding Iran’s participation in the ongoing naval exercises,” the statement said.
The embassy also criticised South Africa for welcoming Iranian forces while Tehran continues to suppress political dissent at home. “South Africa can’t lecture the world on justice while cosying up to Iran,” it said, adding that such actions should not be interpreted as non-alignment, but as “choosing to stand with a regime that brutally represses its people and engages in terrorism.”
South Africa Responds
In response, the South African Presidency issued a measured statement the same day, saying the government was “following developments in Iran with concern.”
“The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint,” the statement read.
It reaffirmed South Africa’s support for universal human rights, including the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association, and called on Iranian authorities to allow citizens to exercise these rights safely. The statement concluded by emphasising that sustainable peace and stability in Iran can only be achieved through solutions that respect the agency of its people.
The incident highlights growing tensions between South Africa’s pursuit of multilateral military engagements and its diplomatic obligations to allies concerned about Iran’s regional conduct.
