A general view of (L-R) the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122), the Iranian navy ship, the IRIS Makran 441, Chinese comprehensive supply ship Taihu (Hull 889) in the Simon's Town harbour, near Cape Town, on January 8, 2026.
PRETORIA - President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the report into how his ordered were defied when the Iranian navy participated in the Exercise Will for Peace 2026.
The investigation was instituted in February 2026 after concerns emerged that instructions issued by the President regarding Iran’s participation in the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace 2026 had not been followed.
Ramaphosa had directed that the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran withdraw its participation in the exercise, which took place off the South African coast. The President reportedly issued the directive following a warning from the US that Iran's participation could harm South Africa's international standing.
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The panel was chaired by Justice Ngoepe.
The Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa will now consider the findings and recommendations of the panel.
“The President will be processing the report and carefully consider its recommendations. Due to national security considerations, the work of the Panel, including the report, remains confidential,” the Presidency said.