Des Erasmus
The United States Embassy has lambasted South Africa for allowing Iranian military participation in the BRICS naval exercise Will For Peace in Simon’s Town, saying Pretoria’s actions contradict a government order and undermine regional security.
“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,” the embassy posted on X late on Thursday.
News24 reported this week that President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to ask Iran to adopt observer status at the drills, but SANDF communications suggested Iran may still have participated.
“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,” the embassy said in its post.
“It is particularly unconscionable that South Africa welcomed Iranian security forces as
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