A China-led drill at a strategic maritime crossroads
South Africa came under diplomatic pressure following the BRICS+ naval exercise “Will for Peace 2026”, which was held off its southern coastline from 9 to 16 January. Led by China and hosted near Simon’s Town, the exercise brought together naval forces from South Africa, Russia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Conducted at the junction of the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, the drills marked the first naval exercise organised under the expanded BRICS+ framework.
Iranian participation triggers diplomatic backlash
Iran deployed several vessels, including the corvette IRINS Naghdi and two converted logistics ships, IRINS Makran and IRIS Shahid Mahdavi. Iranian crews initially took part in port activities and joint events. However, before the sea phase began on 13 January, Pretoria quietly requested Tehran to reduce its role and participate as an observer only, a request Iran accepted. The move followed mounting concern over the political impact of hosting Iranian forces amid ongoing repression inside Iran.
Maritime security objectives and strategic messaging
The exercise focused officially on protecting commercial shipping lanes, counter-boarding operations and maritime security drills. Nevertheless, the presence of Iran prompted strong criticism from the United States, which described Tehran as a destabilising actor and warned that its participation undermined regional stability. The episode further strained already fragile U.S.–South African relations, at a time when Pretoria is seeking to safeguard key trade arrangements with Washington.
Will for Peace 2026 underscored the growing geopolitical dimension of naval cooperation, highlighting South Africa’s delicate balancing act between BRICS partners and Western allies in an increasingly contested maritime environment.
