Iran Slams Israeli, U.S. Strikes as “Lethal Blow” to Diplomacy and NPT at BRICS Summit

RIO DE JANEIRO|| July 7 (Voice of Malaysia)— Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly condemned the recent Israeli and U.S. military actions against Iran, calling them a “lethal blow” to international diplomacy, the rule of law, and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Speaking at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sunday, Araghchi said the Israeli regime had carried out 12 days of unprovoked “military and terrorist strikes” on Iran with full support and eventual participation from the United States.

“These unlawful attacks have killed and injured more than 6,000 innocent civilians and caused significant damage to residential areas, infrastructure, and peaceful nuclear facilities,” Araghchi stated. “They are a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, NPT commitments, and UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015.”

He further asserted that the U.S. had removed any ambiguity about its involvement by directly attacking three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, following Israel’s initial aggression on June 13.

Araghchi denounced the attacks as “an unprecedented breach of international peace” and a deliberate assault on Iran’s sovereign rights. “No logic or legal framework allows an attack on IAEA-monitored nuclear facilities based on mere speculation,” he added.

On June 24, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on behalf of Israel a unilateral halt to the aggression, following Iran’s military resistance. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to its peaceful nuclear program, which remains under strict monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He also warned that such acts of impunity—enabled by U.S. and some European backing—set a dangerous precedent for global peace. “This aggression is rooted in the absolute immunity granted to Israel by its supporters, which allows it to act outside international law,” he said.

Calling for international accountability, Araghchi urged all UN member states, international organizations, and multilateral mechanisms to condemn the strikes and take action against what he described as criminal violations of international humanitarian law.

“The truth must not be twisted by propaganda. Any justification of these illegal and immoral attacks is tantamount to complicity,” he said.

He concluded by thanking BRICS member states for recognizing their responsibility in defending international law and denouncing the use of force by two nuclear-armed states. Araghchi called on BRICS to continue playing its role as a voice for the Global South, promoting peace, sovereignty, and multilateralism.

The 17th BRICS Summit, held under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” gathers leaders and diplomats from a growing bloc of emerging economies. In 2024, BRICS expanded to include Iran, Egypt, the UAE, and Ethiopia, in addition to its founding members—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Together, BRICS nations represent 46% of the world’s population, 36% of global GDP, and 25% of global trade.