Overview
- President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly ordered Iran withdrawn on 9 January after a US embassy alert about the diplomatic fallout during AGOA renewal deliberations.
- Iranian vessels nonetheless participated through the sea phase and closing events, with Iran’s navy chief reportedly confirming the ships’ presence.
- The SANDF deleted a Facebook post noting the Iranian corvette’s activity, canceled media briefings, and declined to clarify the status of Iran’s involvement.
- Defence Minister Angie Motshekga appointed a board of inquiry with a one‑week deadline to determine whether the presidential instruction was misrepresented or ignored.
- ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance called for urgent investigations and accountability, while military analysts urged dismissals of senior leaders yet cautioned against making the navy chief a scapegoat.