New Delhi: The South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, received an investigation report on Tuesday into Iran’s participation in naval drills off Cape Town despite his order excluding Iranian warships. The findings remain confidential while he reviews the recommendations, with no disciplinary action announced.
The presidency said the inquiry, established in February, examined why Ramaphosa’s instruction was not followed during the Chinese-led exercise, known as MOSI III or Will for Peace 2026. Retired judge Bernard Ngoepe led the panel, whose initial one-month deadline was extended.
Why Iran’s participation triggered an inquiry
The drills, held from 9 to 16 January near Simon’s Town, brought together South Africa, China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, alongside Iranian vessels. The exercises focused on maritime security and naval cooperation.
According to the Associated Press, Iranian warships had already arrived when Ramaphosa instructed that they should not participate. His defence ministry said the order had been communicated and opened an initial inquiry. Ramaphosa subsequently appointed a separate panel to report directly to him, rather than the ministry, to ensure independence.
Iran’s precise role became disputed after reports suggested it would participate only as an observer. DefenceWeb reported that a subsequently deleted South African military post listed the Iranian corvette Naghdi among vessels departing for the sea phase.
The exercises coincided with mass protests in Iran and a crackdown that killed more than 7,000 people, according to western media. The US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran the following month.
Washington criticized Pretoria’s military engagement with Tehran, while US President, Donald Trump’s, administration accused South Africa of pursuing an anti-American foreign policy. AP reported that Ramaphosa’s exclusion order was seen as an attempt to avoid further diplomatic fallout.
India clarifies BRICS dimension
Iran joined BRICS in 2024, but India did not participate in the January exercises. The Ministry of External Affairs said the drills were a South African initiative involving some BRICS members, not an institutionalized activity of the grouping.
New Delhi identified Ibsamar, its maritime exercise with Brazil and South Africa, as the established trilateral arrangement in which it participates.
The report’s conclusions, including whether any officials failed to implement Ramaphosa’s directive, remain undisclosed. The presidency has not announced a timetable for further action.