Iran has repeatedly targeted US military assets located in the United Arab Emirates.
NEW DELHI – BRICS, the bloc of emerging economies seeking to balance Western economic dominance, appeared unable to reach a unified position on the US-Iran conflict.
Reuters reported that during a meeting of BRICS representatives in New Delhi, India, the host country acknowledged differences in views among member states over the latest tensions in the Middle East.
The divisions forced India to issue a Chair’s Statement rather than a Joint Statement.
“There are differing views among member states regarding the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region,” India’s representatives said in an official statement.
BRICS currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Indonesia.
Iran had sought support from fellow BRICS members to condemn US and Israeli attacks on its territory. However, since the war began on 28 February, Iran has also reportedly launched repeated missile and drone strikes against the UAE.
Previously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Iran had only intended to target US military assets located in the country.
“We have no issue with that country,” he said, though he declined to explicitly name the UAE.
The UAE later responded in an official statement, saying it reserved the right to respond to all threats and criminal acts directed against it.
In its latest statement, India said BRICS member states had expressed various views regarding the conflict, including proposals to resolve the crisis and the importance of dialogue to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
India itself is facing an energy crisis following disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz caused by the Iran-US war, given that the country is the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned attacks on Gulf states during his visit to the UAE last Friday.
“The way the UAE was targeted is unacceptable in any form … In these difficult circumstances, the restraint and courage you demonstrated are highly commendable,” he said, as quoted by Reuters. (ZH)
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