Archive · 17 Jan 2026
South Africa investigates Iran's BRICS+ naval drill participation
South Africa's Defence Ministry is looking into why Iran was allowed to take part in some naval exercises.
The country's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, had given specific instructions about Iran's involvement, and the ministry wants to check if those instructions were followed correctly.
The exercises happened in South African waters over the past week.
India and Brazil, both members of the BRICS group, did not take part in these exercises.
The exercises were described as important for maritime security and safe navigation.
South Africa is currently the chair of the BRICS group.
South Africa's Defence Ministry launched an inquiry into Iran's participation in BRICS+ naval exercises.
The inquiry aims to determine if President Cyril Ramaphosa's instructions regarding Iran's involvement were misrepresented or ignored.
The naval exercises, named 'Will for Peace 2026,' took place in South African waters over the past week.
India and Brazil, both BRICS members, opted out of the drills, clarifying that it was not a regular or institutionalised BRICS activity.
South Africa described the exercises as key amid rising maritime tensions globally.
- Who
- South Africa's Defence Ministry and President Cyril Ramaphosa
- What
- Launched an inquiry into Iran's participation in BRICS+ naval exercises
- When
- January 16, 2024
- Where
- South Africa
- Why
- To determine if President Ramaphosa's instructions regarding Iran's involvement were misrepresented or ignored
South Africa's Defence Ministry
Iran
Iran's Participation
South Africa's Defence Ministry
Investigating how Iran participated in the BRICS+ naval exercises, suggesting potential disregard for President Ramaphosa's instructions.
Iran
No official statement from Iran on the matter.
- Country
- South Africa
- Inquiry Launched By
- Defence Ministry
- Inquiry Focus
- Iran's participation in BRICS+ naval exercises
- Timeframe of Inquiry
- Past week
- Inquiry Trigger
- Potential misrepresentation/ignorance of President's instructions
- Exercise Name
- Will for Peace 2026
- Participating Countries
- China, Russia, Iran, South Africa
- Non-Participating BRICS Members
- India, Brazil
Sources
South Africa launches inquiry into Iran’s participation in BRICS+ naval drills
South Africa probes Iran’s role in BRICS+ naval drills
Why India skipped the BRICS Naval Exercise held near South Africa's coast? MEA clarifies ‘not a regular…’
India explains why it skipped ‘Will for Peace 2026’ BRICS naval exercise
‘Not Regular Activity’: MEA On India’s Non-Participation In BRICS Naval Exercise
Cape Town naval drill not regular or institutionalised BRICS activity: MEA
