China, Russia, Iran Warships Gather in South Africa: A Challenge to US Hegemony?

• China, Russia, and Iran's warships have gathered off Cape Town, South Africa, for a joint military exercise, sending a strong diplomatic message.
• The drill, led by China, aims to showcase BRICS' military strength and is seen as a response to America's aggressive actions, particularly in Venezuela.
• South Africa's Simon's Town base, at the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, hosts modern ships including China's destroyer 'Tangshan'.
• The exercise, focusing on maritime security and anti-piracy, deepens cooperation, following a similar event in 2023.
• South Africa's participation, despite its non-aligned stance, has angered the US, with Trump previously cutting funding over its ties with 'bad actors'.

Why It Matters: A joint naval exercise by China, Russia, and Iran in South Africa signals a growing challenge to US influence.