![Warships from South Africa, China, Russia and Iran gather at Simon's Town Naval Base as part of the joint naval exercise dubbed "Peace Resolve," aimed at enhancing regional maritime security and conducted off the coast of Cape Town and in the False Bay area, in Simon's Town, South Africa, on January 9, 2026. [Murat Özgür Güvendik - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AA-20260109-40210460-40210446-SOUTH_AFRICA_HOSTS_JOINT_NAVAL_DRILLS_WITH_CHINA_RUSSIA_AND_IRAN-1.jpg)
The United States criticised South Africa on Thursday over allowing Iran in naval exercises off its coast, describing the move as “unacceptable” in light of ongoing protests in Iran. Ships from China, Iran, Russia and the United Arab Emirates sailed to waters off Cape Town about a week ago to take part in the exercises as part of cooperation among BRICS countries. Local media reported that the South African government tried to exclude Iran from the China-led drills, which were held while protests continue in Iran. Human rights groups say these protests have resulted in the deaths of thousands. It remains unclear how much Iranian vessels were involved in the exercises. The South African navy said the drills were necessary […]
