Source: Brasil 247 | Original Published At: 2026-01-16 05:10:40 UTC
Key Points
- Iran participated in BRICS+ naval exercises 'Vontade de Paz 2026' off South Africa's coast with strategic assets including the Shahid Naqdi destroyer and Makran seaplane carrier
- Exercises involved 20+ naval and air units from BRICS members (Russia, China, South Africa, Brazil, Egypt) and partners like Indonesia, Ethiopia, and UAE
- Live-fire drills tested operational readiness while emphasizing maritime security and protection of global trade routes
- Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani framed the exercises as response to external threats amid US/Israeli regional pressure
- South African authorities described the drills as key to BRICS Plus' mission of ensuring maritime stability and free trade flow