South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report into Iran's participation in the Chinese-led naval exercise MOSI III, despite his instruction that Tehran's navy should be excluded from the drills held in South African waters.

"The President instituted the probe in February 2026, following circumstances surrounding the exercise that showed a failure to heed the President’s instruction that the navy of the Republic of Iran must no longer participate in the Chinese-led Exercise Will of Peace 2026 that took place in the South African waters," Ramaphosa's office said.

Ramaphosa ordered the investigation in February 2026 after Iran took part in the exercise despite his directive that its navy should not participate.

Retired Gauteng Judge President Bernard Ngoepe led the panel investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Presidential compliance

The incident raised questions about compliance with the president's instructions as commander-in-chief of the South African National Defence Force.

Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said on Tuesday that Ramaphosa would consider the findings and recommendations of the panel that investigated the circumstances surrounding Iran's participation in the exercise, also known as Will for Peace 2026.

The report will remain confidential on national security grounds, Magwenya said, without disclosing details of its findings.

The naval drills, led by China, involved South Africa, Russia and other countries, including members of the expanded BRICS grouping.

The incident raised questions about compliance with the president's instructions as commander-in-chief of the South African National Defence Force.