Iran aligned with Russia, China, and other nations at a BRICS conference in New Delhi, advocating for a halt to the "escalation" of conflict in the Middle East. The joint statement emerged from a meeting of BRICS members and invited nations, which is presented as a counterweight to institutions influenced by the U.S.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, attending the conference hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, joined other leaders in expressing "deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in Middle East/West Asia." The statement called for "maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation."
This comes amid recent escalations of Iranian attacks targeting U.S. bases and allies in the Gulf region. Among the 11 BRICS members signing the statement were the United Arab Emirates, which hosts a U.S. air base, and Saudi Arabia, which recently shut down its East-West pipeline after attacks from Iran-backed Iraqi militias.
The conference took place as the U.S. intensifies economic pressure on Iran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously vowed an "economic D-Day" to cripple trading partners of the Islamic Republic.
The joint statement also emphasized the protection of civilians, respect for state sovereignty, and the safeguarding of global supply chains. These points were raised even as the U.S. and Iran are in conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade.
Speaking from New Delhi, President Pezeshkian stated, "They want to bully us, and we do not want to be bullied," in response to U.S. actions. The statement also voiced "serious concerns" regarding rising global tariffs.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also attended, commented on the economic standing of BRICS countries compared to the G7. He noted that BRICS nations produced over 40% of the world's GDP in the last five years, while the G7's contribution stood at 29%. The G7 countries, representing about 10% of the global population, produce approximately 44% of the world's GDP, or 28% when measured by purchasing power parity.
The conference also marked Chinese President Xi Jinping's first visit to India in seven years, following border clashes between the two nations in 2020. President Xi is expected to visit the U.S. later this month for a meeting with President Trump. 