Iran Steps Back From South Africa’s BRICS‑Plus Naval Drills at Pretoria’s Request

Overview

• Iran’s three warships in False Bay will not join the at‑sea phases and will participate as observers, according to Daily Maverick and News24.
• News24, cited by TASS, reports that South Africa asked Tehran to withdraw its ships from the drills, and the Iranian side accepted the request.
• The Will for Peace 2026 exercise runs through January 16 under Chinese operational command with ships from China, Russia, the UAE and South Africa, while Brazil, Indonesia and Ethiopia observe.
• It remains unclear whether the Iranian vessels will stay berthed in False Bay during the live‑fire and coordinated maritime operations.
• A South African government source told Daily Maverick the withdrawal decision predated recent protests in Iran and the current AGOA renewal discussion in the United States.