The BRICS group of nations has issued a sharp rebuke of recent global developments, condemning US and Israeli military actions against Iran, denouncing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and warning against trade protectionism amid renewed threats from former US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on BRICS-aligned countries.
Meeting in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro over the weekend, leaders from the expanded BRICS alliance – now including 11 nations with recent additions such as Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia – used their final summit communiqué to take a strong stance on several key geopolitical flashpoints.
Condemnation of Iran attacks
The statement harshly criticized last month’s strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian infrastructure, particularly attacks on nuclear facilities and civilian targets. The bloc labeled the action a “flagrant violation of international law” and warned of grave consequences for global security.
The summit emphasized the importance of safeguarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy under international regulations and called for adherence to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Outcry over Gaza humanitarian catastrophe
Turning to the war in Gaza, BRICS accused Israel of “weaponising starvation” against Palestinians and strongly condemned the politicisation of humanitarian aid. In a rare collective voice, the bloc backed the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) amid funding cuts and mounting criticism.
BRICS reaffirmed its long-standing support for the two-state solution, recognizing East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state and demanding an end to the blockade of Gaza.
Trump’s tariff warning triggers economic pushback
Without directly naming him, the BRICS declaration also took aim at former US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 10 percent tariff on countries “following anti-American BRICS policies.” Leaders denounced “unilateral and protectionist trade practices” and called them clear violations of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that BRICS has raised concerns over what it sees as efforts by the United States to coerce countries away from its orbit. The bloc stated it would continue promoting fair trade and financial systems independent of Western dominance, including moves toward “de-dollarization.”
Omits Ukraine war
Notably, the BRICS communiqué made no mention of Russia’s war in Ukraine—an omission widely interpreted as deliberate. While Western nations continue to pressure Russia diplomatically and economically, BRICS instead condemned attacks on Russian territory by Ukraine, choosing not to address Moscow’s role in the broader conflict.
Leadership and attendance
The summit, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, featured leaders from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were both absent, sending their respective premiers and foreign ministers instead. Putin’s travel is limited due to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant.
Lula used the occasion to reiterate BRICS’ growing relevance and stressed the group’s commitment to reforming global governance structures, including the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions.
What next for BRICS?
With heightened geopolitical tension and economic fragmentation looming, the Rio summit positioned BRICS as a vocal alternative to Western-led alliances. Its calls for multipolarity, equitable trade, and respect for international law may signal a more assertive role on the world stage.
The bloc’s next challenge: translating its collective voice into actionable policies and resilient partnerships—particularly as global elections, wars, and economic shifts continue to reshape international alliances.
