South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, has ordered an inquiry into Iran’s participation in the recent BRICS+ naval exercises conducted in South African waters.
In a statement, the ministry said the inquiry would seek to determine whether President Cyril Ramaphosa’s instructions regarding Iran’s involvement were misrepresented or ignored.
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South African news outlet Daily Maverick reported that Ramaphosa had sought Iran’s withdrawal from the drills over concerns that its participation could damage South Africa’s relations with the United States.
“The Minister of Defence, Hon. Angie Motshekga, would like to place it on record that the instruction was clearly communicated to all parties concerned, agreed upon, and to be implemented and adhered to,” the defence ministry added.
