Iran has pulled out of the joint naval exercise Will for Peace 2026 off South Africa's coast, following discussions with Pretoria to avoid escalating tensions with the United States. Three Iranian warships arrived in False Bay last week but will not participate in the drills led by China alongside Russia, the UAE, and South Africa. The move comes as the US House debates renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act, crucial for South Africa's trade status.
A well-placed South African government source confirmed that Iran has been asked to withdraw from the BRICS Navy drills, now known as Will for Peace 2026, being conducted off the Western Cape coast. Iranian vessels arrived in Simon’s Town last week but are no longer expected to join the exercise, which involves coordination of maritime operations and live firing at sea, scheduled to begin this week.
The decision stems from diplomatic efforts by South Africa to prevent further strain in relations with the US, amid a precarious trade relationship. This timing aligns with the US House of Representatives considering a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), approved by the House Ways and Means Committee in December with a 37-3 vote. AGOA provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible African exports, and South Africa is fighting to retain its status, with concerns over its ties to Iran, China, and Russia potentially leading to exclusion.
Sources indicate the withdrawal was decided through discussions among defence ministries, including Iran's, prior to recent protests in Iran and awareness of the AGOA debate schedule. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) described the exercise as advancing multilateral naval partnerships and collective maritime security.
Participating vessels include China's guided missile destroyer Tangshan (No 122) and replenishment ship Taihu (No 889); Russia's corvette Stoikiy (No 545) and oil tanker Yelnya; the UAE's corvette Bani Yas (No P110); and South Africa's frigate SAS Amatola. Iran's ships—the corvette IRIS Naghdi (No 82), forward base ship IRIS Makran (No 441), and expeditionary base ship IRIS Shahid Mahdavi (No 110-3)—remain in False Bay or harbour, their status unclear.
The exercise, billed as a BRICS+ initiative, sees limited participation from the 10 member states, focusing on operational proficiency and diplomatic engagement.
