South Africa’s presidency on Thursday announced a judicial inquiry into Iran’s participation in a naval exercise off Cape Town earlier this year.
The commission of inquiry, led by three judges, targets the failure to obey President Cyril Ramaphosa’s orders regarding Iranian naval involvement.
Ramaphosa had instructed the defence minister to withdraw three Iranian warships from the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace 2026 in South African waters.
The manoeuvres included China, Russia, and other BRICS nations, while Iran was amid a deadly crackdown on domestic protesters at the time.
It remains unclear how extensively Iranian vessels participated in the January drills, but the United States condemned the involvement as unconscionable.
Local media reported Ramaphosa wanted Iran to serve only as observers, yet the navy disregarded the directive, prompting public criticism.
In response, South Africa’s defence ministry launched an investigation, but the presidency reclaimed control to ensure an independent, timely probe, officials said.
The panel will examine circumstances surrounding the exercise, identify responsible parties, and recommend consequences, with powers to summon officials and access classified material.
Ramaphosa, as commander-in-chief, has set a one-month deadline for the judges to conclude their work and submit findings to him.
The inquiry’s proceedings will remain confidential for national security reasons, though the president may release all or part of the recommendations publicly.
Tensions between the South African government and the military have surfaced previously, including last August after officials’ remarks on Iran contradicted foreign policy positions.
This latest inquiry signals Ramaphosa’s intent to assert civilian oversight and accountability over the armed forces amid international scrutiny of the naval exercises.