Iran Urges BRICS to Condemn US-Israel Actions as Bloc Faces Deep Divisions Over Middle East War
NEW DELHI: Iran has called on BRICS nations to openly condemn what it described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel, intensifying diplomatic tensions within the expanding bloc during a high-level meeting in India.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the appeal on Thursday at a two-day BRICS foreign ministers’ gathering in New Delhi, where he accused Washington and Tel Aviv of “illegal aggression” and “warmongering” against Iran.
He urged member states to take a clear position on the conflict, stating that silence would undermine international law.
“Iran therefore calls upon BRICS member states and all responsible members of the international community to explicitly condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel,” Araqchi said.
He further described US actions as “illegal expansionism and warmongering” while reaffirming that Iran remains open to diplomacy but is fully prepared to defend itself “with all available means”.
The remarks highlighted growing internal divisions within BRICS, which now includes both Iran and the United Arab Emirates, two countries on opposing sides of regional tensions, making consensus on joint statements increasingly difficult.
The bloc, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China, has expanded over time to include South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE. While the expansion has increased its global influence, it has also exposed geopolitical fault lines among members.
India, which holds the BRICS chair for 2026, hosted the meeting amid rising global tensions linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar maintained a neutral tone, avoiding direct references to specific countries but emphasising the importance of stability and uninterrupted maritime trade routes.
He warned that disruptions in key waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea could have severe consequences for the global economy.
Jaishankar also raised concerns over the growing use of unilateral sanctions, saying such measures often harm developing nations and cannot replace diplomatic solutions.
“There is an increasing resort to unilateral coercive measures and sanctions inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter,” he said, adding that dialogue must remain the preferred path.
Separately, India confirmed that an Indian-flagged vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday, though all crew members were reported safe. Officials condemned the incident, calling attacks on civilian shipping “unacceptable”.
The ongoing conflict and rising tensions have also contributed to instability in global energy markets, with concerns over disruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz adding pressure on prices and raising fears of broader economic slowdown.