Iran has agreed to withdraw its warships from active roles in South Africa's "Will for Peace 2026" BRICS naval drills following a direct request from Pretoria, driven by US President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff ultimatum against countries engaging with Tehran. The exercises, hosted near Simon’s Town from January 9-16 and led by China, now see two Iranian vessels sidelined as observers to shield South Africa's vital trade ties, including AGOA duty-free access to US markets. Trump declared on Truth Social: "Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25% on any and all business being done with the United States of America.
