Name: South Africa to probe Iran’s role in naval drills that angered U.S.
Uploaded: 2026-01-16T16:39:17.893Z
Duration: 1 min 3 s
Description: The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Pretoria, which is trying to repair strained relations with the United States. Ties have worsened under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has accused South Africa of anti-American policies, imposed steep trade tariffs

The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Pretoria, which is trying to repair strained relations with the United States. Ties have worsened under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has accused South Africa of anti-American policies, imposed steep trade tariffs

Pretoria

South Africa has initiated an investigation into Iran's involvement in recent naval exercises held off the country's coast. The inquiry follows sharp criticism from the United States and reports that Iran's participation may have contradicted instructions from President Cyril Ramaphosa to exclude Iranian warships.

The naval drills, conducted near Cape Town, included vessels from China, Iran, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates. While South Africa's defense force stated the exercises were focused on maritime security, the US condemned Iran's presence, citing concerns over Tehran's domestic crackdown on protesters. The issue arises as South Africa seeks to improve its diplomatic relations with the United States.

South Africa to probe Iran’s role in naval drills that angered U.S.

South Africa has ordered an investigation into an Iran's participation in recent naval exercises off its coast following sharp criticism from the United States and reports the involvement went against presidential instructions. The defense ministry said defense minister had launched a board of inquiry to determine whether President Seri Ramaphosa's directive to exclude Iranian warships was ignored or misrepresented. The drills held off Cape Town involved naval vessels from China, Iran, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. While the defense force said China-led exercises were aimed at protecting ship lanes and maritime trade, Washington condemned Iran's presence as particularly uncautionable amid Tehran's violent crackdown on protesters. The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Pretoria, which is trying to repair strained relations with the United States.

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