Critics heavily criticize the military actions of Iran and Israel during a massive joint statement at the BRICS summit.
The BRICS nations, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have issued a joint declaration following the conclusion of their 17th Summit in Brazil, expressing serious concerns about the escalation of unilateral tariff and non-tariff actions that contradict World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and harm global economic growth.
The leaders of the BRICS nations collectively oppose unilateral tariff measures, viewing them as harmful to global trade and economic growth. They advocate for strengthening multilateral trade rules and international cooperation to maintain fair global trade.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged BRICS to take collective action and shoulder responsibility in advancing global governance reform against these unilateral trade restrictions, warning that such measures may worsen economic disparities and harm prospects for global economic development.
This stance was in direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariffs (up to 10-50%) targeting countries perceived to be aligned with BRICS "anti-American" policies. BRICS leaders condemned these threats, reaffirming their commitment to multilateral diplomacy and opposing tariffs that escalate trade tensions and hinder global cooperation.
In the Middle East, the BRICS nations expressed grave concern over the escalation of the security situation due to military strikes on Iran, condemning the attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under the full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They also denounced terrorist violence in Syria, including a deadly church bombing in Damascus, and strongly condemned Israel's continued occupation of Syrian land.
The joint declaration urges the UN Security Council to address these issues, calling for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access. The BRICS nations reaffirm support for Palestinian statehood, declaring Gaza an "inseparable part" of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The BRICS nations also welcome the recent lifting of unilateral sanctions on Syria and express support for the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. However, they do not repeat earlier calls for the UN Security Council to address these issues, nor do they reiterate their support for full UN membership for the State of Palestine, affirming a two-state solution as the path to peace.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led the opposition forces that toppled Assad, currently serves as Syria's transitional president. The conflict between Israel and Iran, which erupted when Israel launched airstrikes, has resulted in at least 935 deaths and over 5,300 injuries in Iran, and 29 deaths and over 3,400 injuries in Israel. Israel's offensive in Gaza has resulted in the death of over 57,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to health authorities in the enclave.
In summary, BRICS nations stand firmly against unilateral tariffs, viewing them as harmful to global trade and economic growth, and advocate for strengthening multilateral trade rules and international cooperation. In the Middle East, they urge peace and the resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, while expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis and the violation of international law.
- The BRICS leaders, in their joint declaration, have also shown concern over the Middle East, particularly the escalation of the security situation due to military strikes on Iran.
- They collective condemnation of attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under the full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was included in the same declaration.
- Furthermore, the BRICS nations denounced terrorist violence in Syria, including a deadly church bombing in Damascus, and strongly condemned Israel's continued occupation of Syrian land.
- In response to the conflict between Israel and Iran, the BRICS nations urge the UN Security Council to address these issues, calling for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access.
