President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the report of an investigation into the participation of Iran’s navy in a multinational naval exercise off South Africa’s coast early this year.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Tuesday that Ramaphosa was considering the findings and recommendations of the panel whose report will remain confidential because of national security considerations.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the panel report instituted to investigate the naval ‘Exercise MOSI III Will of Peace’,” Magwenya said.
The investigation was launched in February 2026 following controversy surrounding the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace 2026, which took place in South African waters and included the participation of vessels from Iran despite a presidential instruction that the Iranian navy should no longer be involved.
The inquiry was led by former judge Bernard Ngoepe, assisted by Justice Monica Leeuw and Rear Admiral Patrick Duze.
Although initially expected to conclude within a month, the panel was granted an extension after presenting reasons for additional time to complete its work.
The presidency did not disclose the report’s findings but said Ramaphosa would carefully consider its recommendations before deciding on any further action.
The presence of Iranian naval vessels in exercises involving South Africa has previously generated diplomatic and political scrutiny, both domestically and internationally.
Critics have argued that military cooperation with Iran risks complicating South Africa’s relations with Western nations at a time when Tehran remains subject to sanctions and international pressure over its regional activities and nuclear programme.
JN/APA