BRICS summit: Iran, UAE, others urge restraint over Middle East escalation

On the opening day of the BRICS leaders' annual summit in New Delhi, the group of nations issued a joint declaration expressing deep concern over the escalating war in the Middle East. The declaration, adopted unanimously, called for maximum restraint and urged member states to avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation. The BRICS bloc, comprising Iran and the United Arab Emirates, both Washington allies, made consensus on a joint statement a challenging task for host New Delhi.

The New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed the commitment of member nations to resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation, and diplomacy. The declaration also highlighted concerns about unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures that distort trade, particularly in light of US sanctions against Iran amid its conflict with Tehran and Russia over its conflict with Ukraine.