Iran has accused the United Arab Emirates of obstructing a unified BRICS position on the West Asia conflict, just days before a crucial summit of the bloc. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that one BRICS member—widely understood to be the UAE—has demanded that the group formally condemn Iran, thereby preventing consensus.
Iran's Statement on BRICS Deadlock
Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Gharibabadi said, "A demand by one member country to condemn Iran has prevented BRICS from reaching a unified position on the West Asia conflict." He did not name the country explicitly but pointed to the UAE, which has been a vocal critic of Iran's regional policies. The remarks come ahead of a BRICS foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for next week, where the conflict in Gaza and broader West Asia tensions are expected to dominate discussions.
Background of the Dispute
BRICS, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia, has struggled to present a united front on the Israel-Hamas war and related regional instability. Iran has historically supported Hamas and other groups opposed to Israel, while the UAE normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords. The UAE's push for a condemnation of Iran reflects these deep divisions.
Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran seeks a balanced BRICS statement that addresses the root causes of the conflict, including Israeli occupation and aggression. "We believe BRICS should focus on ending the violence and ensuring humanitarian access, not on targeting individual members," he added.
Implications for BRICS Unity
The deadlock highlights the challenges BRICS faces in maintaining cohesion amid geopolitical rivalries. The bloc, which expanded in 2024 to include Iran and the UAE, was intended to amplify the voice of emerging economies. However, internal disagreements over West Asia could undermine its effectiveness. Analysts say that if the UAE persists, BRICS may fail to issue any joint statement on the conflict, a setback for its diplomatic ambitions.
Next Steps
Diplomatic sources indicate that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to bridge differences, with China and Russia mediating between Tehran and Abu Dhabi. The outcome of the foreign ministers' meeting will be closely watched as a test of BRICS' ability to manage internal discord. Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any condemnation would be met with a strong response, further complicating prospects for consensus.
