The United States has accused South Africa's defence ministry of ignoring orders to send Iranian warships home. These Iranian ships took part in naval exercises in South African waters despite government instructions. The US embassy in South Africa said, "South Africa can't lecture the world on 'justice' while cozying up to Iran." Washington criticised South Africa for inviting Iran during a time of violent crackdown on protests in Iran. South Africa's defence ministry responded by saying it will launch an investigation into these "serious allegations." Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said President Cyril Ramaphosa's orders were clearly communicated and should be followed. The naval exercise, called "Peace Resolve," started last Friday and is led by China. It includes members from the BRICS alliance, such as Russia and recently Iran, Egypt, and others, now called BRICS+. William Gumede, a professor at the University of Witwatersrand, told the BBC, "This is absolutely no surprise. Protests against the Iranian regime are happening right now, human rights organisations here in SA have been calling for support for the protesters." He also noted that the African National Congress has been silent on Iran's human rights abuses, which he called "irony and hypocrisy." The US embassy said Iran's participation in the drills "undermined maritime security and regional stability." The embassy described Iran's crackdown on protests as "unconscionable," reminding South Africans of their own struggle for peaceful political rights. Iranian warships were already in Cape Town when the orders to send them away reportedly came. The BRICS+ alliance seeks to challenge Western political and economic dominance. The naval exercises highlight the complex international ties and rising tensions as countries like South Africa balance global relationships.