The BRICS alliance issued a strong rebuke of recent military strikes against Iran during its annual summit on Sunday, marking a diplomatic win for Tehran amid escalating Middle East tensions.
The 11-nation bloc, which includes Iran, Russia, and China, unanimously condemned the aerial attacks targeting Iranian military and nuclear facilities without explicitly naming Israel or the U.S.
“We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since 13 June 2025,” read the summit declaration. “We further express serious concern over deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, which constitute a violation of international law.”
The statement comes after a 12-day Israeli bombing campaign against Iranian targets, culminating in U.S. strikes on nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. While Iran has struggled to garner broad international support, the BRICS condemnation provides Tehran with a strategic political boost.
Diplomatic sources revealed that member states initially disagreed on the severity of language regarding Israel’s actions in Iran and Gaza. However, negotiations led to a hardened stance following Tehran’s lobbying efforts. The final declaration notably avoided direct criticism of Washington or Jerusalem, reflecting divisions within the bloc.
The summit in Rio de Janeiro highlighted BRICS’ growing role in global geopolitics, with member nations leveraging the platform to challenge Western-led security frameworks. Analysts suggest the statement could complicate efforts to isolate Iran diplomatically while reinforcing the group’s image as a counterweight to U.S. influence.
Iranian officials hailed the declaration as a vindication of their stance, while Israel and the U.S. have yet to respond. The BRICS meeting continues this week with discussions on economic cooperation and multilateral reforms.