RIO DE JANEIRO – The BRICS bloc issued a strong condemnation of the recent military strikes on Iranian territory, labelling them a clear violation of international law, in a joint declaration at the conclusion of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil on Sunday.
While the statement avoided directly naming the United States or Israel, the timing and phrasing unmistakably pointed to the 12-day bombing campaign conducted by Israel, followed by US airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan in mid-June.
“We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025,” read the joint declaration.
“We further express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities.”
Diplomatic Win for Tehran
Despite internal differences within BRICS, the strong language of the statement—especially from India and Brazil—marks a significant diplomatic victory for Tehran, which has struggled to garner international support following the strikes.
Iran was represented at the summit by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, after President Masoud Pezeshkian cancelled his appearance due to ongoing security concerns back home.
Background: 12 Days of Escalation
The condemnation follows a wave of hostilities triggered by alleged covert Iranian actions against Israeli interests, which spiraled into a regional flashpoint. The Israeli military responded with multiple air raids, culminating in targeted strikes on Iran’s sensitive nuclear facilities, which the United States supported with precision bombing.
Civilian areas and non-military infrastructure were also damaged, prompting Tehran to escalate complaints at the UN and regional forums, seeking international condemnation.
Internal Debate Within BRICS
Sources confirmed that China and Russia lobbied for a direct mention of Israel, but India and Brazil advocated a more neutral yet firm tone. However, Tehran successfully pushed for hardened language, reflecting deepening Global South discontent with unilateral military action by Western powers.
Shift in Global South Sentiment
This is one of the boldest geopolitical statements from the BRICS bloc to date, and analysts see it as a growing assertion of the Global South’s influence in shaping multilateral norms.
Notably, the declaration also included a separate clause condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, calling for no double standards on terrorism, another indicator of mutual alignment among emerging economies on global security.
Limited Mention of Ukraine
In a shift from earlier summits, Russia’s war in Ukraine was only mentioned once in the statement, underscoring the bloc’s evolving focus on Middle East tensions and Global South security dynamics.
President Vladimir Putin addressed the summit virtually, citing travel limitations due to an international arrest warrant, while Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the summit for the first time since 2012.
About BRICS+
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the BRICS alliance expanded in 2024, adding Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates. The bloc now also includes 10 strategic partners, such as Cuba, Vietnam, and Belarus, giving it a broader diplomatic base across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
FAQs
📌 What did BRICS condemn in the latest summit?
The bloc condemned military strikes on Iran starting June 13, 2025, particularly targeting civilian infrastructure and nuclear facilities.
📌 Was the US or Israel named in the statement?
No, but the wording and context clearly refer to the recent Israeli-US coordinated strikes on Iran.
📌 Why is this declaration significant?
It marks a rare moment of collective diplomatic backing for Iran and reflects the Global South’s hardening stance against unilateral military actions.
📌 Who represented Iran at the BRICS summit?
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in place of President Masoud Pezeshkian, who remained in Iran due to the volatile situation.
📌 Is BRICS focusing more on Middle East issues now?
Yes. This summit saw stronger language on Middle East conflicts, particularly Iran and Gaza, while Russia-Ukraine was only briefly mentioned.
This development marks a pivotal moment for BRICS as a geopolitical force, demonstrating its capacity to challenge Western narratives and amplify voices from the Global South on issues of sovereignty and international law.