South Africa Helping to Forge China–Russia–Iran Pariah Regime Axis, Say Analysts, Opposition Parties

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers walk past the South African military frigate "SAS Mendi" docked at the port in Richards Bay on Feb. 22, 2023. On Feb. 17, 2023, South Africa embarked on a 10-day joint military exercise with Russia and China. The controversial drills, dubbed "Mosi," meaning "smoke" in the local Tswana language, are taking place off the port cities of Durban and Richards Bay. (Photo by Guillem Sartorio/ AFP) Photo by Guillem Sartorio/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—Iranian warships docked in Cape Town harbor on April 1 in contravention of U.S. sanctions.

A week earlier, the dock hosted an ammunition-loaded Russian frigate. In February, China, Russia, and South Africa conducted war games in the Indian Ocean.