BRICS Naval Drills: Russia, China, Iran Begin Exercises Off South Africa Amid Tensions

• China, Russia, and Iran are conducting a week-long naval exercise off Cape Town, South Africa, under the BRICS banner.
• The drills, led by China and planned last year, aim to practice maritime safety, anti-piracy operations, and deepen cooperation among bloc members.
• South Africa, a founding BRICS member, is hosting the exercises, which include China's Tangshan destroyer-class vessel.
• The exercises are taking place amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning US intervention in Venezuela and its seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers.
• The drills are expected to further strain US-South Africa ties, with criticism from the US and South Africa's opposition party regarding its alignment with sanctioned nations.

Why It Matters: BRICS naval drills involving Russia, China, and Iran off South Africa highlight shifting geopolitical alliances and rising tensions.