BRICS nations and partner countries attend the Cape Town briefing for the multinational naval exercise. Image credit: Tehran Times.
(The Post News) – Arrangements for the BRICS joint naval exercise “Will for Peace” are underway following the gathering of senior officials from Russia, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran in Cape Town to receive a high-level briefing session. The exercise, which was originally scheduled for November under Exercise Mosi III, was postponed in a move to avoid clashing with South Africa’s G20 Presidency activities.
Iran’s Navy leaders were represented by First Naval District commander Captain Hassan Maqsoudlou, while Tehran had its representative in the event. “Iranian warships will join the exercise with full power,” said Captain Maqsoudlou, adding, “This naval exercise strengthens unity and solidarity among friendly nations while preserving maritime security as the foundation for world economic prosperity.” Captain Maqsoudlou also referred to Iran’s experience in the fight against piracy and securing international shipping routes.
South African Department of Defence (DoD) confirmed that “Will for Peace” is in line with Exercise Mosi III, a series of multinational naval exercises launched in 2019. SANDF Defence Corporate Communication Director Rear Admiral (JG) Prince Tshabalala said the postponement will allow Pretoria to focus on the forthcoming G20 Johannesburg Summit on 22–23 November.
South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024 and will chair the group up to the end of November 2025. Tshabalala explained that assuming the summit is a lot of security, logistical, and organizational ability, thus necessitating the shift of the naval drill.
The Mosi exercises are conducted biennially, the last sessions being conducted in 2019 and 2023. While South Africa, Russia, and China are the primary participants, the current session expands to include Iran, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. For the current cycle, the host duties fall on China, though naval drills will be offshore, off the coast of South Africa.
Iran’s Expanding Naval Diplomacy
Captain Maqsoudlou underscored Iran’s responsibility in providing maritime security and asserted Iranian naval forces “carry the message of peace and friendship” with them wherever they travel. Iran has long extended its naval reach to safeguard shipping lanes, deter piracy and showcase regional leadership.
South Africa has also intensified defense cooperation with Iran. SANDF observers participated in the Marine Security Belt 2024 exercise, hosted by Iran in the Gulf of Oman along with China and Russia, in March 2024. The exercises were attended by dozens of warships.
Iranian warships have made appearances in South African ports on several occasions. In March 2023, the destroyer IRIS Dena and support ship Makran called at Cape Town on an around-the-world deployment by Iran’s 86th fleet.
The two countries share military cooperation going back nearly a decade. In 2016, Iran’s then-defense minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehghan signed a memorandum of understanding with her South African counterpart Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. The memorandum of understanding laid the foundation for the existing naval and defense coordination.
Recently, SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya has paid a visit to Tehran, where he sat down with Iranian military commanders to discuss strengthening bilateral defense ties. His trip prompted international interest when Iranian media quoted him as condemning the Israeli military action in Gaza.
Strategic Value for BRICS
The “Will for Peace” naval exercise underscores BRICS’ growing role beyond the economic sphere. The exercise indicates collaboration in maritime security, one of the factors for sustaining international trade and energy flow. It is also an opportunity for involved nations, particularly Iran, Ethiopia, and Indonesia, to show conformation with BRICS security agendas.
Experts note that economic resilience is directly linked to maritime security. Since over 80% of global trade travels by sea, collaborative naval exercises like Mosi III allow nations to interoperate, share tactics, and project unison internationally.
As BRICS expands, Ethiopia joined in 2024, defense alliances show the bloc is seeking to marry its economic sway with strategic presence. For South Africa, balancing the demands of G20 Presidency with BRICS commitments will remain a challenge until November.
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