The South African National Defence Force appears to have ignored President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive to exclude Iranian warships from the multinational naval exercise Will for Peace in False Bay. Three Iranian vessels remain in South African waters, with one participating despite agreements to withdraw. Confusion and demands for clarity have arisen from political parties and observers amid diplomatic tensions.
The multinational naval exercise Will for Peace, involving nations including South Africa, China, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates, began its sea phase on Tuesday in False Bay near Simon's Town. President Ramaphosa ordered the withdrawal of three Iranian warships over the weekend, citing risks to relations with the United States, particularly as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) bill progresses through Congress. A senior official confirmed that defence ministries, including Iran's, agreed to exclude the ships from the sea phase.
Despite this, the Iranian corvette IRIS Naghdi joined vessels from other countries, sailing out alongside South Africa's SAS Amatola, China's Tangshan, Russia's Stoikiy, and the UAE's Bani Yas. The SANDF's Facebook statement listed these five ships as participants but referred to 'four naval vessels,' a post later deleted without explanation. Observers noted the IRIS Naghdi's involvement again on Wednesday, raising questions about compliance.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, the SANDF, or Iran itself may have disregarded the orders, or a communication breakdown occurred, sources suggested. The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) held an emergency meeting Tuesday afternoon to address the issue, but outcomes remain unclear. No responses came from the SANDF, Presidency, or Dirco to inquiries.
Darren Olivier, director of African Defence Review, commented on X that Iran's actions ignored Ramaphosa's wishes, highlighting the provocative inclusion of the Shahid Mahdavi from the sanctioned Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy. He described the exercise as 'shambolic' and speculated on possible reasons, including resistance from China, the lead organizer.
Democratic Alliance spokesperson Chris Hattingh demanded transparency, criticizing contradictory communications, deleted posts, and cancelled media briefings. 'This level of secrecy is unacceptable,' he said, urging a parliamentary briefing on approvals, sanctions advice, and diplomatic risks.
Originally planned as Mosi III with South Africa, Russia, and China, the exercise was rebranded as Will for Peace under the BRICS-Plus framework, adding Iran and the UAE, though Brazil and India did not participate. Ethiopian, Egyptian, and Indonesian navies observed. The US House recently passed a three-year Agoa extension, but South Africa's eligibility remains under review.
