Brics agrees joint declaration calling for 'maximum restraint' in Middle East

On Saturday, the leaders of the Brics group issued a joint declaration advocating for "maximum restraint" in the Middle East, moving past previous divisions that had hindered a unified stance during a foreign ministers' meeting in May. The declaration materialized as the six-month-long Iran war continues to influence the region, disrupting energy supplies and trade routes.

The United States and Iran have resumed a cycle of retaliatory strikes, following a period of calm in much of August. The 11-member Brics group urged all parties to demonstrate maximum restraint, avoid actions that could escalate the conflict, and emphasize the necessity to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as to respect states' sovereignty and territorial integrity, as per the declaration.

The statement expressed deep concern over the persistent tension escalation in the Middle East/West Asia, recalling each nation's respective positions, and calling for maximum restraint, along with actions aimed at not further aggravating the situation. The agreement posed a substantial diplomatic challenge for the expanded Brics group, which comprises the UAE, India, China, Russia, and Iran.

This breakthrough occurred after negotiators endeavored to reconcile differences prior to the summit in New Delhi. The statement also condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities in violation of international law and IAEA resolutions. The summit is being held amid the ongoing war's impact on one of the world's most crucial energy corridors, the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict has led to a near-total shutdown of shipping through the waterway, driving oil prices above $100 a barrel. Despite the group's diverse geopolitical interests, the declaration was issued. Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Brics to assume a peacemaking role in the Middle East, stating that the war did not serve the international community's interests.