A senior government source has confirmed that Iran has withdrawn from the ongoing BRICS naval exercises off the South African coast, in a move aimed at preventing further diplomatic strain with the United States.
Iranian naval vessels that arrived in Simonstown are no longer expected to participate in the drills, which are being led by China and involve other BRICS member states.
Avoid escalating tensions
The request forms part of diplomatic engagements initiated by South Africa as it seeks to avoid escalating tensions with Washington amid an already fragile diplomatic and trade relationship.
The timing of the decision is seen as particularly significant, as the United States House of Representatives is preparing to consider a three-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA).
South Africa is lobbying to retain its preferential trade status under the agreement, which provides duty-free access to the US market for qualifying exports.
The proposed extension received strong bipartisan backing in December, when the House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill by a 37-3 vote.
The legislation must still be debated and approved by the full House before moving to the Senate and, ultimately, the White House for presidential signature.
Despite early support, the bill’s final passage remains uncertain.
Drawn criticism
South Africa’s participation in joint military exercises with countries viewed by the US as adversarial has previously drawn criticism from American lawmakers, raising concerns about Pretoria’s foreign policy alignment.
Government officials have not publicly commented on the request to Iran, and details of the diplomatic engagements remain confidential.
However, the move underscores South Africa’s efforts to balance its BRICS commitments with its economic and strategic interests in maintaining stable relations with the United States.
