Simon's Town

Simon's Town is a South African naval base that has recently gained international attention as the location for joint naval exercises involving China, Russia, and Iran in January 2026. These exercises are newsworthy due to the current geopolitical climate, marked by heightened tensions between the US and countries like Russia, China, and Iran. The arrival of warships from these nations at Simon's Town underscores South Africa's continued participation in BRICS initiatives, even amidst strained relations with the United States. The exercises are taking place against a backdrop of US military intervention in Venezuela and seizures of oil tankers, adding to the significance of this multilateral naval activity. South Africa's hosting of these drills highlights its complex foreign policy and its willingness to engage with nations that are often at odds with Western powers.