Leaders of the BRICS bloc sharply criticized U.S. trade policy and recent military actions against Iran during a summit on Sunday, voicing unified opposition to what they described as unilateral and destabilizing behavior by the United States.
The 11-member group — which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly added countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia — represents nearly half of the world’s population and 40% of global economic output.
While the bloc is often divided on key issues, it found common ground in its criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs and support for recent Israeli-American strikes on Iranian targets. Though the summit’s joint declaration avoided naming Trump directly, it expressed “serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff measures,” warning they could harm global economic stability.
In response, Trump lashed out on his Truth Social platform Sunday night:
“Any country aligning themselves with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions.”
The BRICS summit also offered symbolic backing to Iran, condemning recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on nuclear and military facilities within Iranian territory. Iran joined BRICS in 2023, and despite internal divisions — especially on issues like Israel — the bloc unified behind a call for de-escalation.
While BRICS reiterated support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Iran expressed “reservations” about this position but did not formally reject the summit statement. Hamas welcomed the BRICS declaration, urging the group to pressure Israel to end the blockade on Gaza.
The bloc also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory, where conflict with Hamas has raged for 21 months.
Despite its growing influence, BRICS continues to face internal divisions. As a China-led counterweight to Western power, the bloc struggles to find consensus on major global issues, including the Gaza war and U.S. dominance in international institutions.
Diplomatic sensitivities were on full display. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister was notably absent from Sunday’s discussions, underscoring the kingdom’s close ties with Washington. Saudi Arabia is a major purchaser of U.S. military hardware and has long maintained a strategic partnership with the U.S.
Adding to the summit’s subdued tone was the absence of key leaders. Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the meeting for the first time in his 12 years in office. Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing an international arrest warrant over the Ukraine war, also stayed away, addressing the summit via video.
Putin praised BRICS as a “key player in global governance,” and the summit declaration echoed this sentiment, calling for greater regulation of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The leaders warned that AI development should not be monopolized by wealthy nations, a veiled reference to the dominance of U.S. tech giants.
As BRICS expands and navigates complex geopolitical terrain, its message on Sunday was clear: the bloc is increasingly united in challenging the global status quo — particularly when it comes to U.S. hegemony.
AFP
