South Africa Investigates Unauthorized Iran Role in BRICS Naval Drills

The South African Department of Defence on Friday announced an investigation into accusations that officials failed to follow President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instructions on Iran’s role in a multinational naval exercise. The ministry, led by Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, said its authorized Board of Inquiry must establish what occurred and submit a report within seven days of the exercise’s completion. South Africa hosted multinational naval drills in its coastal waters from January 9 to 16. A government release described the drills—part of a program called Will for Peace 2026—as a China-led exercise involving “BRICS Plus” navies. The exercise was framed as a maritime safety and interoperability operation under a theme titled “Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Shipping and Maritime Economic Activities.” The investigation follows reports that officials received instructions to limit Iranian warships to observer status to avoid increasing tensions with the US, but failed to effectively implement the orders. Uncertainty lingers over whether Iran participated beyond observation, and some accounts claim that while President Ramaphosa sought to have Iran withdraw, three Iranian vessels were seen operating in False Bay during the exercise period. US officials publicly criticized Iran’s alleged involvement. In an online statement, the US Embassy in South Africa said the reports raised “concern and alarm” and questioned whether South Africa had adhered to limits on Iran’s participation. The allegations also raise questions about civilian control of the military under South Africa’s constitutional framework. Section 202 of the Constitution provides that the president is commander-in-chief of the defense force and that command must be exercised under presidential authority and in accordance with the defense minister’s directions.