Amanze Chinonye
South Africa has launched a high-level inquiry into allegations that its military ignored a direct presidential instruction by allowing Iranian warships including a vessel linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to participate in the multinational naval exercise Will for Peace 2026, triggering rare diplomatic criticism from the United States and raising concerns over civilian control of the armed forces.
The controversy centres on claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered the withdrawal of Iranian naval vessels from active participation in the exercise, hosted by South Africa off the Western Cape. According to multiple reports, the instruction was explicitly communicated to the Department of Defence and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and was understood to have been accepted.
Despite this, at least one Iranian corvette, IRIS Naghdi, was observed sailing with the exercise fleet on January 13. Earlier that day, the SANDF had deleted a Facebook post listing the vessel among participating ships, only for it to later appear at sea alongside other navies, fuelling allegations of open defiance of presidential authority.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelEven more contentious was the reported presence of IRIS Shahid Mahdavi, a forward-base ship belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The IRGC is sanctioned by the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Western governments have linked the vessel to drone and expeditionary operations in the Red Sea.
Board of Inquiry launched
In response to the mounting controversy, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga announced the establishment of a Board of Inquiry to determine whether President Ramaphosa’s directive was ignored, misunderstood or improperly implemented.
“The inquiry will establish the facts around the communication and execution of the president’s instruction,” the minister said, amid growing political pressure for clarity and accountability. She has denied deliberately defying the president but acknowledged inconsistencies in how Iran’s participation was handled.
The SANDF has so far maintained that Iran’s role was either reduced or in transition, though it has not clearly explained why Iranian vessels were still seen operating with the fleet after the alleged withdrawal order.
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Rare US diplomatic rebuke
The situation escalated internationally after the United States Embassy in Pretoria issued an unusually blunt public statement, saying it noted “with concern and alarm reports that the Minister of Defence and SANDF defied a government order”.
Diplomatic observers described the language as extraordinary, particularly given that the United States is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners and a key supporter of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants preferential trade access to African countries.
Washington has repeatedly described Iran as a destabilising actor and warned against legitimising sanctioned military entities through joint exercises. Analysts say the episode could complicate South Africa’s efforts to preserve AGOA benefits at a time when the programme is under renewed scrutiny in the US Congress.
Political fallout at home
Domestically, opposition parties have seized on the issue as a constitutional red flag. The Democratic Alliance and other opposition figures have demanded answers from the presidency and defence leadership, warning that any precedent of the military disregarding presidential authority threatens South Africa’s democratic order.
Darren Olivier, director of African Defence Review, said the implications could be profound if defiance is proven.
“If the defence minister or senior SANDF leadership indeed ignored a presidential order, South Africa is in uncharted territory,” he said.
Concerns have been amplified by reports that the SANDF Chief of Staff visited Tehran in September 2025 without presidential approval a move that reportedly drew unease within government but did not result in disciplinary action.
Broader strategic questions
Beyond the immediate controversy, analysts say the incident highlights deeper tensions between South Africa’s political leadership and elements within its military establishment over foreign policy orientation.
While the Ramaphosa administration has sought to balance South Africa’s BRICS commitments with continued economic ties to the West, critics argue that sections of the defence establishment appear increasingly aligned with Russia, China and Iran.
Iranian officials have not publicly commented on the allegations, but observers note that Tehran was unlikely to deploy its vessels without anticipating diplomatic fallout.
For now, the Iranian ships have already departed South African waters, and markets have shown little immediate reaction. However, analysts warn that the outcome of the inquiry and Washington’s response could have longer-term implications for South Africa’s trade, diplomacy and civil-military relations.
The Board of Inquiry is expected to report its findings in the coming days.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
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