The preparatory briefing session for the BRICS joint naval drill was held in Cape Town with representatives from Russia, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran in attendance.
Captain Hassan Maqsoudlou, commander of the First Naval District of the Iranian Navy, represented Iran at the meeting. He said the Iranian combat vessels will actively take part in the exercise, which will be staged under the title “Will for Peace.”
Highlighting the significance of BRICS’ economic and strategic cooperation, the Iranian commander noted that the joint naval exercise aims to strengthen unity and solidarity among the friendly nations while ensuring maritime security as a foundation for global economic prosperity.
He further stressed that the Iranian Navy has for years been at the forefront of confronting piracy and threats to international shipping security, while consistently carrying the message of peace and friendship to other nations.
The exercise comes amid broader defense engagements related to South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The country’s Department of Defense has been in talks with its counterparts to postpone the trilateral naval exercise originally scheduled for November 2025 between South Africa, Russia, and China. This drill, which takes place biennially, represents the third such iteration among BRICS partners, with China set to host the current cycle.
According to official statements, the postponement discussions are aimed at avoiding overlap with the logistical, security, and organizational demands of South Africa’s G20 Presidency. Pretoria has emphasized that its participation in such exercises is part of a wider policy of fostering bilateral and multilateral relations.