US–SA relations have come under renewed pressure after Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch criticised South Africa for hosting a BRICS-linked naval drill.
His remarks target the African National Congress-led government’s foreign policy posture and its claim of non-alignment.
Risch slammed the government for hosting a naval exercise with what he described as “America’s chief adversaries.”
He called for Washington to consider stronger action against South Africa.
Risch added that any promise or deal Pretoria offers the United States should be treated as meaningless.
Furthermore, he claimed that South Africa’s actions contradict its diplomatic assurances to Washington.
US–SA RELATIONS AND “OPEN HOSTILITY” CLAIMS
Risch aired his concerns in a recent X post responding to South Africa’s hosting of Exercise Will for Peace 2026.
The multinational naval drill forms part of the broader BRICS cooperation initiatives.
The exercise, led by China, runs from 9 to 16 January 2026 in Simon’s Town, near Cape Town.
Russia, Iran and South Africa are participating in the maritime exercise.
In his post, Risch said South Africa’s actions signal open hostility toward the United States.
He also backed US President Donald Trump’s view that South Africa should be treated as an adversary.
Moreover, he said the time for envoys, reviews, and bridge-building business deals has passed.
WILL FOR PEACE DRILL DRAWS INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) described the Will for Peace 2026 exercise as a cooperative maritime security exercise.
According to the SANDF, the drill aims to improve interconnectivity, operational readiness, and shipping routes safety.
US–SA RELATIONS UNDER ECONOMIC PRESSURE
However, the diplomatic fallout comes as Washington increases economic pressure on countries linked to Iran.
According to BusinessTech the US has warned of a 25% tariff on nations doing business with Iran.
US President Donald Trump made this announcement on 12 January 2026 via his social media platform Truth Social.
Although South Africa’s direct trade with Iran remains limited, the implications could be severe.
The country depends heavily on US trade benefits, including duty-free access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
