US Embassy Slams South Africa Over Iranian Naval Drill Presence

The US Embassy in Pretoria criticised South Africa for allowing Iranian vessels to take part in naval exercises in its waters, warning that Tehran is a destabilising actor and that its involvement raises concerns for regional and maritime security.

The comments come as South Africa hosts Exercise Will for Peace 2026 off Simonstown with ships from South Africa, China, Russia, and Iran, prompting renewed political and diplomatic scrutiny.