Report on Iranian warships' South Africa drills delivered to president

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 10:02 · Archive

A report investigating why Iranian warships participated in naval drills off South Africa against presidential orders has been finalised.

A report into why Iranian warships participated in naval drills off South Africa's coast in January against President Cyril Ramaphosa's instructions has been finalised, his office announced on Tuesday. The report will remain confidential while the president reviews it.

Ramaphosa ordered the investigation in February after Iranian vessels that had already travelled to South Africa took part in the exercises despite his instruction that they should not. The investigation examined whether his order was ignored by high-ranking members of the South African armed forces or Defence Ministry officials. The president ensured the investigation reported to him rather than the Defence Ministry to guarantee its independence.

The drills also involved Chinese and Russian ships off Cape Town and took place during mass protests in Iran and a crackdown that killed more than 7,000 people. The participation sparked harsh criticism from the United States, which later launched military strikes against Iran alongside Israel. South Africa's diplomatic relations with Iran have drawn criticism from US President Donald Trump, who has accused the country of having an anti-American foreign policy.

How it is being reported

• Investigators deliver report on why Iranian warships took part in naval drills off South AfricaA report into why Iranian warships took part in naval drills off South Africa’s coast this year against the instructions of the country’s president has been finalized.News4Jax · 27 Oct, 09:15
• Investigators deliver report on why Iranian warships took part in naval drills off South AfricaA report into why Iranian warships took part in naval drills off South Africa’s coast this year against the instructions of the country’s president has been finalized.Clickorlando · 27 Oct, 09:15

In this story: Cyril Ramaphosa · South Africa · Iran · United States · China · Russia · Israel · Cape Town

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