Iran urges BRICS to condemn US, Israel over war as divisions emerge within bloc

NEW DELHI: Iran on Thursday urged BRICS nations to condemn what it described as violations of international law by the United States and Israel over the ongoing war on Iran, exposing growing divisions within the expanded bloc during a foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told the two-day gathering that Tehran expected BRICS members and the broader international community to explicitly denounce “illegal aggression” by Washington and Israel.

“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 criticised Washington’s role in the conflict, calling it “illegal expansionism and warmongering,” while adding that Iran remained open to diplomacy but was prepared to defend itself “with all available means.”

FM @araghchi delivers Iran's statement at the #BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in India.

He highlighted the importance of breaking Western hegemony and ensuring that international institutions remain free from political manipulation.#Iran #NewDelhi #GlobalSouth https://t.co/5IfpHnHVtB pic.twitter.com/oikPyyhYmM

— Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@Iran_GOV) May 14, 2026

The remarks underscored differences within BRICS, which now includes regional rivals Iran and the United Arab Emirates, complicating efforts to forge a unified stance on the conflict.

The war, which began on February 28, has sharply raised geopolitical tensions and triggered a global energy crisis after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for nearly a fifth of global oil shipments.

The disruption in tanker traffic has driven crude oil prices higher and fuelled fears of renewed inflation and slower global economic growth, particularly for energy-importing countries such as India.

BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China before South Africa joined in 2011, was later expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE.

India, which holds the BRICS chair for 2026, sought to strike a balanced tone at the meeting.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar avoided directly criticising any country but stressed the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and uninterrupted maritime trade flows through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.

“The conflict in West Asia merits particular attention,” Jaishankar said.

He also criticised the increasing use of unilateral sanctions, saying such measures disproportionately affected developing nations and could not replace diplomacy.

“There is a growing expectation, particularly from emerging markets and developing countries, that BRICS will play a constructive and stabilising role,” Jaishankar added.

Separately, India’s foreign ministry said an Indian-flagged ship was attacked off the coast of Oman on Wednesday, though all crew members were reported safe.

“The attack is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted,” the ministry said.