Overview
- China organized the weeklong sea exercise, branded Will for Peace 2026, as BRICS’ first multilateral military drill near Cape Town.
- At least one Iranian vessel took part alongside Chinese, Russian, South African and UAE ships, with South Africa’s military briefly confirming participation before deleting its post.
- Pretoria had asked Tehran to withdraw or downgrade to observer status due to U.S. pressure, but on-the-water sightings showed an Iranian warship departing with the flotilla.
- President Donald Trump and Senator Jim Risch criticized South Africa’s hosting, while domestic opposition parties condemned the inclusion of sanctioned and rights‑abusing states.
- India did not participate, and South Africa has kept details sparse and delayed briefings as it navigates sensitive trade talks and an AGOA renewal push with Washington.