Unilateral sanctions impacting food security, people’s welfare: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

In his closing remarks at the BRICS Leaders' Summit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the detrimental impact of unilateral sanctions on global food security and the welfare of people worldwide. He urged BRICS members to broaden trade in national currencies and strive for a more inclusive global economic framework, as over-reliance on current financial and trade systems leaves emerging economies susceptible to political disruptions.

These comments followed the US imposing fresh economic restrictions on Iran, exacerbating the country's financial strain amid ongoing military tensions. Pezeshkian called for the BRICS to assume a more prominent role in shaping a more equitable, interconnected, and sustainable international order, aligning the Summit's theme — "Resilience, Cooperation, and Sustainability" — with tangible actions.

He emphasized that economic stability hinges on security, noting that Iran's economic, energy, and development infrastructure damage could have broader regional and global ramifications. The Iranian President lamented the heavy toll on the Iranian populace, citing civilian casualties and the damage to decades of infrastructure development.

He implored the international community to safeguard civilians and halt the "normalization of attacks on civilian targets." Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to India for hosting the summit, praising its theme as a reflection of pressing global concerns in an era of increasingly interconnected nation-states. Regarding the Gaza and Lebanon situations, he lamented the continued suffering of the affected regions, attributing it to the ongoing "crimes and genocide."

He appealed to BRICS nations to strengthen their stance on defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition of force. Additionally, Pezeshkian underscored Iran's strategic position, energy resources, and transit capabilities, suggesting their potential in fostering trade and energy corridors among BRICS members.

He also stressed the importance of knowledge and innovation, advocating that Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies should empower nations rather than serve as tools of domination.