BRICS Condemns Strikes on Iran and Criticizes Israeli Operations in Gaza

At the latest BRICS summit held in Rio de Janeiro, leaders of the expanding bloc of developing nations issued a joint statement denouncing military strikes against Iran and expressing sharp criticism of Israel's defensive operations in Gaza. The statement, made Sunday, reflects BRICS’ increasing alignment against Western-led security and trade policies, while further revealing deep divisions on issues of global security and morality.

The BRICS group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members including Iran and Ethiopia called attacks on Iran’s "civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities" a violation of international law. They also voiced “grave concern” over the situation in Gaza, placing the blame on Israeli military actions.

These comments arrive amid Israel’s continued campaign to dismantle Hamas’s terror infrastructure following the October 7 massacre, which left 1,200 Israelis murdered and hundreds taken hostage. Israel has made clear that it will not allow Gaza to become a launchpad for future attacks and has prioritized eliminating Hamas’s military and governing presence.

In response to the BRICS’ alignment with Iran and criticism of U.S. and Israeli policies, President Donald Trump announced new tariffs targeting nations supporting what he termed “Anti-American policies.” Trump warned of an additional 10% tariff on countries seeking alignment with the BRICS bloc, highlighting growing tensions between the U.S. and this coalition of emerging powers.

Despite the BRICS group presenting itself as a platform for multilateral diplomacy, its statements have cast a shadow over its true intentions. With members such as Iran and Russia—both known for regional destabilization and support for terror proxies the bloc's calls for international law and peace ring hollow to many observers.

The BRICS leaders also condemned what they labeled a "terrorist attack" in Indian-administered Kashmir and pledged support for Iran and Ethiopia to join the World Trade Organization. Their push for reform of global institutions like the UN Security Council and IMF is presented as a way to reflect what they call the “new multipolar reality” of the 21st century.

Yet this increasingly diverse coalition faces internal contradictions. Rivalries between member states and differing regional agendas raise questions about how united the group truly is. The absence of China’s President Xi Jinping, who sent his premier instead, and the virtual presence of Russia’s Vladimir Putin wanted by the International Criminal Court—further underscore these tensions.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who hosted the summit, claimed BRICS is the heir to the Cold War’s Non-Aligned Movement. But critics note that its current form seems more focused on opposing U.S. influence than promoting coherent global cooperation.

While BRICS attempts to project moral authority and global relevance, Israel remains undeterred. The Jewish state continues to defend its citizens from terror, promote peace with willing neighbors, and stand firm against those who would distort the truth of its struggle for survival.

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