US Accuses South Africa of ‘Cozying Up’ to Iran Amid Protest Clampdown

The U.S. Embassy said South Africa’s naval drills that included Iran undermine maritime security as Tehran faces global condemnation amid protests.

An Iranian vessel sails in False Bay, near the Simon's Town Naval base for naval exercises in South Africa's waters, in Cape Town, South Africa, on Jan. 16, 2026. Esa Alexander/Reuters

The United States has accused South Africa of undermining regional maritime security by allowing Iranian military participation in naval exercises held in South African waters, escalating tensions between Washington and Pretoria as Iran faces mounting international condemnation over its violent clampdown on nationwide protests.

South Africa’s defense ministry said on Jan. 16 that Minister of Defense and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga had launched an inquiry into Iran’s involvement in the naval exercises, held over the past week in South African waters.