South Africa finds itself at the center of a diplomatic dispute after the United States accused its defence forces of ignoring orders to remove Iranian warships from the country’s waters. The ships were participating in naval exercises, raising concerns over Pretoria’s growing military ties with Tehran.
In a blunt statement, Washington said, “South Africa can't lecture the world on 'justice' while cozying up to Iran,” pointing to the contradiction between the country’s professed values and its recent actions. The US expressed alarm that South Africa allowed Iran’s participation while human rights violations and protests were escalating back home.
South Africa’s defence ministry responded by confirming an internal inquiry to investigate the “serious allegations” and determine the facts. The ministry sought to clarify its position amid mounting criticism from Washington and observers who questioned the timing of Iran’s invitation.
The US embassy in Pretoria warned that the presence of Iranian warships went beyond a neutral stance, describing it as a “choice to stand with Iran” rather than a demonstration of non-alignment.
The embassy also said Iran’s involvement “undermined maritime security and regional stability” and was “unconscionable” at a time when peaceful protests in Iran were being suppressed.
It drew a comparison with South Africa’s own struggle for democracy, saying the protesters’ situation echoed “peaceful political activity South Africans fought so hard to gain for themselves”.
Local critics have also condemned the decision. William Gumede, an associate professor at the University of Witwatersrand, said the ruling party’s silence on Iran’s protests was striking.
“This is absolutely no surprise. Protests against the Iranian regime are happening right now, human rights organisations here in SA have been calling for support for the protesters,” he said.
“These are all democratic violations and human rights abuses and we have not heard a whimper from the ANC. That is the irony and hypocrisy, it's been criticising other regimes but it's been silent on what's happening in Iran.”
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga emphasized that presidential instructions were clear and binding. On Friday, her office said she “would like to place it on record” that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directives had been “clearly communicated to all parties concerned, agreed upon and to be implemented and adhered to as such”.
The naval exercises, called Peace Resolve, began last Friday and are expected to run for a week.
China leads the drills, which include countries from the original Bric alliance—Brazil, Russia, India, and China—later joined by South Africa. The grouping has since expanded, now called Brics+, with members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, aiming to challenge the influence of wealthier Western nations.
Reports indicate that Iranian warships had already arrived in Cape Town before the order to turn them back was issued, intensifying scrutiny of South Africa’s handling of the situation.
The episode has fueled debates over the country’s role on the global stage and its commitment to human rights principles.
