Fri 16 January 2026:

The US has expressed “concern and alarm” that Iran took part in joint naval exercises off South Africa’s coast, calling its participation “unconscionable”.

The naval drills last week, held as part of the BRICS grouping of nations, included vessels from China, Iran, Russia and the UAE. But the US embassy in South Africa said Iran’s inclusion “undermines maritime security and regional stability”.

“It is particularly unconscionable that South Africa welcomed Iranian security forces as they were shooting, jailing, and torturing Iranian citizens engaging in peaceful political activity South Africans fought so hard to gain for themselves,” said the US Embassy.

The United States notes with concern and alarm reports that the Minister of Defense and SANDF defied a government order regarding Iran’s participation in the ongoing naval exercises. Iran is a destabilizing actor and state sponsor of terror, and its inclusion in joint exercises –…

— US Embassy SA (@USEmbassySA) January 15, 2026

South Africa persuaded Iran to not take part in naval drills

According to EWN News, South Africa had quietly persuaded Iran to scale back its involvement in a major naval exercise off the coast of False Bay. This came after Pretoria grew increasingly concerned about the rapidly worsening relationship with the United States.

According to reports, Iranian vessels were already in South African waters when the decision was taken. Journalist and political commentator John Matisonn described the move as ‘late’ and ‘clumsy’, arguing it reflected a lack of strategic clarity in Pretoria’s foreign policy.

The downgrade follows behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement, driven largely by fears that South Africa’s alignment with Iran could further strain relations with Washington.

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While Iran’s human rights record has drawn international condemnation, including widespread protests, mass arrests and allegations of torture, Matisonn says South Africa gains little by aligning itself so closely with Tehran.

“It doesn’t benefit our interests or our values,”he says, adding that Iran is neither a major trading partner nor a natural ally in the current global context.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the US itself faces criticism over human rights concerns, arguing that Pretoria must balance values with national interests rather than pursuing moral absolutism.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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