SANDF deletes post that shows Iran participating in naval drills in South African waters

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has quietly deleted a post showing that, contrary to media reports, Iran’s Corvette Naghdi is actively participating in the sea phase of Exercise Will for Peace 2026.

Billed by the SANDF as a BRICS+ focused drill emphasising maritime security, joint operational procedures, and the protection of shipping routes, it has come under scrutiny.

This is amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including Iran’s recent military standoffs and South Africa’s delicate balancing act in relations with the United States and other Western partners.

Initial reports, stemming from the SABC, indicated that Iran had downgraded its role or withdrawn from active participation following political pressures.

This includes requests from senior South African officials to avoid complicating AGOA renewal talks and broader diplomatic friction.

Reports from other media outlets stated that Iran’s warships would remain in port as observers, rather than participating in at-sea manoeuvres alongside vessels from China, Russia, the UAE, and South Africa.

However, it seems the SANDF did not get the same message.

On January 13, 2026, a SANDF Facebook post listed the Iranian corvette Naghdi among ships departing Simon’s Town for the exercise’s sea phase, alongside the other participants:

• The UAE Corvette Bani Yas;
• Russian Corvette Stoikiy;
• South African Frigate SAS Amatola;
• Chinese Destroyer Tangshan; and, against media reports,
• Iranian Corvette Naghdi.

The post, which included details of the vessels involved, was subsequently removed, prompting speculation about efforts to manage public perception.

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 and is seemingly taking part in the exercise.”

This is despite assurances from South African government officials that Iran had been asked to withdraw and had agreed to do so.

“So this is opening a can of worms. One part of the South African government is telling the media and other countries that Iran has withdrawn, while the SANDF continues to act as though nothing has changed,” wrote Olivier.

“Even accounting for the usual dysfunction, this is decidedly not normal.”

Olivier further observed that the deletion raised eyebrows, describing the situation as increasingly curious.

A News24 article then raised questions about whether Defence Minister Angie Motshekga disregarded a directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa regarding Iran’s participation in the multinational naval exercise.

The piece reported that Ramaphosa had instructed Motshekga the previous week (around early January 2026) to request that Iran withdraw from active participation and limit itself to observer status.

This move was reportedly aimed at avoiding diplomatic friction with the United States, given sensitivities around Iran’s military activities, sanctions, and South Africa’s efforts to maintain economic relations.

Olivier said that “this also means that Iran, which by now is surely aware of the news reports and could have contacted [Minister Ronald] Lamola or the president for clarification, is evidently deciding to ignore the wishes of South Africa’s president in South Africa’s own waters. Not an endearing move.”

Other images from the now deleted SANDF post