Diplomatic tensions flared this week after the United States criticised South Africa for allowing Iran to take part in naval exercises off the coast of Cape Town, amid conflicting accounts of the Islamic Republic’s actual involvement in the drills.
In a sharply worded statement posted on X on Thursday night, the US Embassy said Iran’s participation in joint maritime exercises, in any capacity, undermines maritime security and regional stability. The post added that South Africa could not claim to champion justice while strengthening ties with Tehran.
The controversy follows the arrival of warships from several BRICS nations, including Iran, Russia and China, in South African waters last week for naval exercises that continued until Friday.
The incident marks the latest point of friction between Washington and Pretoria, whose relationship with its second-largest trading partner has been under strain since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last year. South Africa’s relationship with Iran has been a particular source of irritation for US officials.
Trump has previously threatened military action against Iran over its violent crackdown on protesters, and earlier this week announced that the United States would impose a 25 per cent tariff on goods from countries “doing business” with the Islamic Republic.
South Africa’s presidency responded by saying it was following developments in Iran with concern and urged authorities in Tehran to ensure citizens are able to exercise their right to protest peacefully.
The US Embassy said it viewed with concern and alarm reports that South Africa’s Minister of Defence and the National Defence Force had defied a government directive regarding Iran’s participation in the drills.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga later stated that President Cyril Ramaphosa had issued clear instructions on how the exercises should be conducted, including specific guidance on Iran’s role, and that these directives had been communicated.
She confirmed that a board of inquiry had been established to determine whether the instructions were miscommunicated or ignored, and that it was expected to report back within seven days.
This is not the first time South Africa’s defence establishment has come under scrutiny over its dealings with Iran. Last year, the Army Chief, Rudzani Maphwanya, was reported to have called for deeper ties with Tehran during an official visit, remarks later described by the defence department as unfortunate.