South Africa persuaded Iran to not take part in naval drills as US pressure mounts

South Africa has quietly persuaded Iran to downgrade its participation in a high-profile naval exercise off the coast of False Bay, amid growing concern in Pretoria over a sharply deteriorating relationship with the United States.

The drills, branded as a ‘World for Peace’ exercise, involve South Africa, China and Russia. Iran, which had initially been expected to take part, has now been reduced to observer status alongside Ethiopia and Brazil.

Iran steps back at the eleventh hour

According to reports, Iranian vessels were already in South African waters when the decision was taken. Journalist and political commentator John Matisonn described the move as ‘late’ and ‘clumsy’, arguing it reflected a lack of strategic clarity in Pretoria’s foreign policy.

The downgrade follows behind-the-scenes diplomatic engagement, driven largely by fears that South Africa’s alignment with Iran could further strain relations with Washington.

Trade stakes loom large in Washington

The timing is significant. The US House of Representatives has agreed to extend South Africa’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade arrangement, with the matter now heading to the Senate.

However, the legislation could still be vetoed by former US president Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticised South Africa and amplified claims about land reform and racial persecution.

Matisonn warned that South Africa is operating in a ‘very serious game’, noting Trump’s unpredictable use of power on the global stage.

Values versus interests

While Iran’s human rights record has drawn international condemnation, including widespread protests, mass arrests and allegations of torture, Matisonn says South Africa gains little by aligning itself so closely with Tehran.

“It doesn’t benefit our interests or our values,”he says, adding that Iran is neither a major trading partner nor a natural ally in the current global context.

At the same time, he acknowledged that the US itself faces criticism over human rights concerns, arguing that Pretoria must balance values with national interests rather than pursuing moral absolutism.

A risky diplomatic balancing act

Matisonn cautioned against confrontational diplomacy with Washington, including threats to block the credentials of a new US ambassador designate.

“For America to punish us costs them nothing and costs us a lot,” he says, urging South Africa o ‘weather the storm’ rather than provoke further retaliation.

Instead, he argued Pretoria should strengthen ties with other partners, including China, India and Europe, while focusing on fixing domestic weaknesses such as low growth and high unemployment.

“Picking fights with the biggest bully in the sandbox is pointless,” Matisonn says. “We need to strengthen ourselves at home. That’s what ultimately determines how seriously the world takes us.”

For more information, listen to Matisonn using the audio player below: