United States releases alarming statement about South Africa
The United States Embassy in South Africa has issued a scathing statement about the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) conducting naval exercises with Iran.
This week, the SANDF has confirmed that Iran’s Corvette Naghdi is actively participating in the sea phase of Exercise Will for Peace 2026.
This multinational maritime drill, which began on 13 January 2026 off Simon’s Town, involves vessels from several nations.
The SANDF’s official update, shared late on 13 January 2026, listed the departing vessels from the countries participating in the exercise.
These include the UAE Corvette Bani Yas, Russian Corvette Stoikiy, South African Frigate SAS Amatola, Iranian Corvette Naghdi, and the Chinese Destroyer Tangshan.
Ethiopian, Egyptian, and Indonesian navies are participating as observers in the sea phase of Exercise Will for Peace 2026.
According to the SANDF, the exercise focuses on maritime safety, joint readiness, humanitarian cooperation, and shipping security.
Curiously, the SANDF deleted a post showing that, contrary to media reports, Iran’s Corvette Naghdi is actively participating in the exercise.
Initial reports, stemming from the SABC, indicated that Iran had downgraded its role or withdrawn from active participation due to political pressure.
This includes requests from senior South African officials to avoid complicating AGOA renewal talks and broader diplomatic friction.
Prominent military analyst Darren Olivier, Director at African Defence Review, highlighted the discrepancy in real-time commentary.
He noted the confusion surrounding Iran’s status, stating that one of the Iranian ships “headed out to sea alongside other warships”.
This is despite assurances from South African government officials that Iran had been asked to withdraw and had agreed to do so.
The United States raises concerns about Iran’s participation
On Thursday, 15 January 2026, the United States Embassy in South Africa released a statement condemning the situation.
“The United States notes with concern and alarm reports that the Minister of Defence and SANDF defied a government order regarding Iran’s participation in the ongoing naval exercises,” it said.
Iran is a destabilising actor and state sponsor of terror, and its inclusion in joint exercises – in any capacity – undermines maritime security and regional stability.”
It said it was particularly unconscionable that South Africa welcomed Iranian security forces as they were shooting, jailing, and torturing Iranian citizens.
These citizens, it said, were engaging in peaceful political activity that South Africans fought so hard to gain for themselves.
“South Africa can’t lecture the world on ‘justice’ while cosying up to Iran,” the United States Embassy in South Africa said.
It added that permitting Iranian military forces to operate in South African waters, or going to Tehran and expressing solidarity, isn’t ‘non-alignment’.
“It’s choosing to stand with a regime that brutally represses its people and engages in terrorism,” the United States said.
Statement by South Africa regarding Iran
In a brief statement on 15 January, the South African Presidency said that the government is following the developments in Iran “with concern.”
“The reports of unrest and the subsequent loss of life are concerning, and South Africa urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint,” said the Presidency.
“South Africa firmly believes that the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and freedom of association are universal human rights that must be upheld without exception.”
“We therefore call on the Iranian authorities to ensure that citizens exercise their right to protest in peace,” it added.
The statement concluded that sustainable peace and stability can only be achieved through solutions that centre the agency of the Iranian people.
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