US embassy criticises South Africa for naval drills with Iran

by Staff Bona

The United States Embassy in South Africa has expressed grave concerns regarding the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) decision to include Iran’s navy in its multinational naval exercises, reports Cape {town} Etc.

This criticism comes as the SANDF confirmed that the Iranian Corvette Naghdi is actively participating in Exercise Will for Peace 2026, which commenced on 13 January 2026, off Simon’s Town.

This maritime drill brings together naval forces from multiple nations, including the UAE, Russia, China, and a contingent of observer delegates from Ethiopia, Egypt, and Indonesia.

The SANDF has described the exercise’s focus as enhancing maritime safety, joint readiness, human cooperation, and shipping security.

However, tensions began to surface when the SANDF retracted a social media post that initially confirmed the participation of Iran’s Corvette Naghdi in the exercises, despite earlier reports suggesting that Iran might withdraw from involvement.

The presence of Iranian warships off the coast of Cape Town has raised eyebrows, particularly given the backdrop of Iran’s controversial activities regarding its treatment of peaceful political activists at home.

The US Embassy’s statement, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), highlighted its alarm at the SANDF’s defiance of alleged government orders prohibiting Iran’s participation in the naval exercise.

Stating that ‘Iran is a destabilising actor and state sponsor of terror,’ the embassy underscored how such collaborations could potentially undermine both maritime security and regional stability.

Furthermore, the statement questioned South Africa’s moral standing, asserting, “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 rights South Africans fought so hard to gain for themselves,”

Addressing the backlash, the South African government responded with a carefully measured statement, acknowledging their concern over the disturbances and loss of life reported in Iran. ‘The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint,’ it read.

The government emphasised its commitment to universal human rights, urging Iranian authorities to uphold the peaceful rights of their citizens.

First published by Cape {town} etc

Compiled by Sibuliso Duba

Also see: Joint naval exercises in Simon’s Town showcase BRICS military collaboration