South Africa has defended joint naval exercises conducted with Russia, China, Iran, and other countries, describing them as “necessary” and a vital response to rising international maritime tensions.

The drills, named “Peace Will 2026,” began Saturday off the coast of Cape Town, involving countries from the extended BRICS group.

The exercises come days after the United States seized a Russian oil tanker linked to Venezuela in the North Atlantic, citing violations of Western sanctions—a move Washington sees as part of its ongoing campaign against Caracas.

The naval maneuvers also coincide with escalating tensions between the administration of President Donald Trump and several BRICS-plus countries, including China, Iran, South Africa, and Brazil.