US Says South Africa Is Cozying Up to Iran With Naval Drills

The US criticized South Africa for allowing Iran to participate in naval drills off the coast of Cape Town, after conflicting reports about the Islamic Republic’s involvement in the exercises.

Iran’s “inclusion in joint exercises – in any capacity – undermines maritime security and regional stability,” the US Embassy said in a post on X Thursday night. “South Africa can’t lecture the world on justice while cozying up to Iran.”