Overview
- Defense Minister Angie Motshekga set up a Board of Inquiry to determine if presidential directions on Tehran’s participation were misrepresented or ignored, with findings due within seven days of the exercise’s completion.
- The week-long Will for Peace 2026 drills off Cape Town ended on January 16 under Chinese operational command, with South Africa framing the event as focused on maritime security.
- Iranian warships were present in Simon’s Town and False Bay during the week, with a SANDF post naming an Iranian corvette later deleted and reporters observing a third Iranian vessel in harbor.
- The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria condemned any Iranian role as “unconscionable,” citing the crackdown on protesters in Iran and arguing the inclusion undermines maritime security and regional stability.
- India clarified the drill was a South African initiative rather than an institutional BRICS activity and said it did not participate, while Brazil and several others took observer roles.