"The drills have caused controversy in the country and drawn the ire of the United States. Although South Africa regularly holds drills with Russia and China, the latest maritime training comes amid heightened tensions between the US and many of the group's members, particularly Iran, which until last week was grappling with mass protests at home that turned deadly. Pretoria said the exercise, named Will for Peace 2026, was essential for ensuring maritime safety and international cooperation."
"The training brings together navies from BRICS Plus countries for joint maritime safety operations [and] interoperability drills, a statement from the South African military noted before the exercises. However, US President Donald Trump's administration, which has previously accused BRICS of being anti-American and has threatened its members with tariffs, has strongly criticised the naval exercises. Here's what we know about the exercise and why they were controversial:"
South Africa hosted BRICS naval exercises, Will for Peace 2026, from January 9–16 near Simon's Town, involving warships from BRICS Plus countries including Iran. China led the training focused on maritime safety, interoperability and international cooperation. Iran's participation prompted a domestic government inquiry after reports it occurred against President Cyril Ramaphosa's orders. The exercises drew strong criticism from the United States amid broader tensions with several BRICS members and concerns over Iran's recent deadly domestic protests. South Africa defended the drills as essential for maritime safety, while the controversy has sparked political backlash at home and diplomatic friction abroad.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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