Overview
- Three Iranian warships that arrived in False Bay will not join the sea phase and are being treated as observers following South Africa’s request.
- The Will for Peace 2026 exercise runs January 9–16 near the Cape of Good Hope under Chinese operational command with South Africa, Russia and the UAE at sea.
- SANDF billed the event as a BRICS+ exercise, though several invited states are only partially involved or present as observers.
- Reporting links Iran’s reduced role to South Africa’s effort to avoid straining U.S. relations during AGOA deliberations, with added pressure from new U.S. warnings on Iran‑related trade.
- U.S. Senator Jim Risch condemned Pretoria’s hosting of the drill, while a South African defence analyst said the episode carries political and reputational costs for Pretoria.