France, Jan. 16 -- The probe comes after the United States sharply criticised the past week's drills, which brought vessels from China, Iran, Russia and the United Arab Emirates to waters off Cape Town.

Local media reported President Cyril Ramaphosa had instructed the defence minister to withdraw the three Iranian warships from the drills, which came amid the Iranian government's deadly crackdown on protesters.

It was unclear to what extent Iran took part, but images emerged of at least one Iranian vessel at sea.

A defence ministry statement on social media on Tuesday listed an Iranian corvette as among the participants, but the post was later removed.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga had "clearly communicated" the president's instruc...