News24 | Board of inquiry launched into Iranian navy’s role in ‘Will for Peace 2026’ drill

The Department of Defence has announced a board of inquiry to investigate the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s navy in the “Will for Peace 2026” naval exercise, contrary to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive.

The board, comprising judges and a rear admiral, will examine whether the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) defied the president’s order to prohibit Iran’s involvement in the drill earlier this month, and the reasons behind this.

Ramaphosa reportedly issued the directive following a warning from the United States that Iran’s participation could harm South Africa’s international standing.

Iran sent three warships to the exercise.

“The aim of the Board of Inquiry is to investigate and report on the serious allegations that the president’s instructions may have not been carried out, misrepresented, and/or ignored regarding the participation of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy during Exercise Will for Peace 2026,” said Defence spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.

- More to follow.

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