South Africa reconsiders its foreign policy after Iranian warships visit

South Africa is facing internal debate over its foreign policy after Iranian naval ships took part in a BRICS-billed exercise at Simon's Town; the Defence Ministry has opened a board of inquiry and coalition partners have agreed to hold a high-level conference.

South Africa is reassessing its foreign policy following the arrival of Iranian naval ships that joined a BRICS-billed exercise at Simon's Town. The visit drew criticism because it coincided with a harsh Iranian response to large protests, and South Africa later did not back a UN Human Rights Council investigation. Coalition partners and opposition figures say the government's ties with Russia, China and Iran have strained the country’s claim of non-alignment. The Defence Ministry has appointed a board of inquiry and coalition members have agreed to hold a high-level conference to address foreign policy differences. Key facts: - Iranian naval vessels participated in a naval exercise in South African waters alongside Russia and China. - President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly asked Iran to withdraw, but the ships remained and took part in port events. - The Defence Ministry has appointed a board of inquiry to investigate why orders were ignored. - The Democratic Alliance and other coalition partners have sought a high-level conference to discuss foreign policy. Summary: The incident has prompted criticism that South Africa's long-standing image as a "moral" voice in international affairs is under strain and has raised questions about its relationships with Western governments. A formal inquiry is under way and a coalition conference has been agreed; further outcomes are undetermined at this time.