Iran continues to participate in South African naval exercise despite contrary reports

Contrary to initial media speculation suggesting Iran’s withdrawal or downgrade to observer status, the South African National Defence Force (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 its operational phase on January 13, 2026, off Simon’s Town, involves vessels from several nations and has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from the United States.

The SANDF’s official update, shared late on 13 January, lists the departing vessels as follows: the UAE Corvette Bani Yas, Russian Corvette Stoikiy, South African Frigate SAS Amatola, Iranian Corvette Naghdi, and Chinese Destroyer Tangshan.

Ethiopian, Egyptian, and Indonesian navies are participating as observers.

According to the SANDF, the exercise focuses on maritime safety, joint readiness, humanitarian cooperation, and shipping security, running from January 9 to 16.

Earlier reports indicated that South Africa had urged Iran to limit its role—possibly to observer status, amid diplomatic pressures and fears of antagonising the US.

These accounts cited unnamed government sources claiming the decision predated recent events in Iran and upcoming US debates on trade agreements like AGOA.

Some suggested Iran’s three vessels, including the corvette Naghdi, forward base ship Makran, and expeditionary base ship Shahid Mahdavi, would remain in harbour or False Bay without joining sea operations.

However, recent developments contradict this.

Eyewitness accounts and photographs from defence journalists, including defenceWeb’s Dean Wingrin, show the Iranian Naghdi departing Simon’s Town alongside other warships for the sea phase.

This aligns directly with the SANDF’s participant list and images, confirming active involvement rather than a pullback.

Confusion stemmed from conflicting signals: government insiders reportedly assured the media of a withdrawal agreement, yet no formal public SANDF statement confirmed Iran’s exit.

US ire

Iran’s participation has intensified US concerns over the exercise, which features navies from Russia, China, and Iran—all facing Western sanctions and involved in various geopolitical flashpoints.

The drills, led by China and framed under expanded BRICS+ cooperation, are seen in Washington as a challenge to Western maritime influence, especially amid recent US actions like seizing Russian-linked oil tankers.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised South Africa’s alignments, including threats of tariffs and scrutiny over AGOA renewal.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has lambasted the government for hosting such partners, arguing it undermines claims of non-alignment, damages ties with democratic allies like the US, and exposes the country to economic and diplomatic risks.

DA representatives have called it a platform for “authoritarian regimes” and demanded parliamentary accountability.

South African officials, including Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola, have defended the manoeuvres as routine and non-confrontational, comparable to exercises conducted by other nations, while emphasising multilateral naval partnerships without targeting any specific party.

More images of the exercise