Iran has stepped back from a major multinational naval exercise set to take place off the coast of Cape Town, despite having already deployed warships to False Bay ahead of the operation.
The Iranian Navy will not take part in the sea-based phase of Exercise Will for Peace 2026, which is scheduled to begin this week and involves South Africa, China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has positioned the exercise as a BRICS+ maritime operation, although only a handful of the ten-member grouping is actively involved, as reported by News24.
Iranian vessels arrived in False Bay last week alongside ships from China, Russia and the UAE, with participating navies conducting onshore ceremonies and planning sessions. The fleet was expected to sail early in the week to begin live-fire drills and coordinated maritime manoeuvres, but Iran’s ships will now remain sidelined.
Reports suggest Pretoria encouraged Tehran to withdraw to avoid diplomatic fallout, particularly with the United States, at a time when Iran is facing international scrutiny over its domestic unrest. The timing also coincides with renewed discussions in Washington around the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a key trade framework that has benefited South Africa for decades.
Agoa, which allows qualifying African countries preferential access to US markets, expired in September but is now under consideration for revival. While South Africa has historically been one of the biggest beneficiaries, concerns have been raised that its close ties with Iran, China and Russia could complicate its continued participation.
A senior South African government source has pushed back against suggestions that geopolitical pressure drove Iran’s exit, insisting the decision was finalised through discussions between defence ministries well before Iran’s internal protests intensified or before South Africa was aware that Agoa would be debated this week.
Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert!
Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!
Iran had dispatched three vessels to False Bay: the corvette IRIS Naghdi, the forward base ship IRIS Makran and the expeditionary base ship IRIS Shahid Mahdavi. It remains unclear whether these ships will stay docked or remain in the bay while the rest of the fleet proceeds with the exercise.
Other naval assets currently present include Chinese and Russian warships, an Emirati corvette and South Africa’s own SAS Amatola, with China set to lead the drills. The SANDF has maintained that the exercise is aimed at improving naval cooperation, maritime security and operational coordination among partner states.
Meanwhile, in the US, lawmakers have confirmed that a Bill to extend Agoa until the end of 2028 is scheduled for consideration this week under an accelerated process. While the legislation enjoys broad support, uncertainty remains over whether it will pass as a standalone measure, with the Trump administration so far backing only a short-term renewal.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Temporary boardwalk closure at Boulders Penguin Colony for bee removal
Picture: Gallo Images
