Newsletters
The BRICS nations on Sunday issued a sweeping joint declaration condemning recent military strikes on Iran, Israel’s occupation of Syrian territory, and terrorism in Syria, while declaring the Gaza Strip an “inseparable part” of the Palestinian territories.
The statement followed the conclusion of the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, where member states — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly admitted countries — called for immediate international action to deescalate regional conflicts and uphold international law.
The group strongly condemned the military strikes on Iran that began June 13, calling them a violation of international law and the UN Charter.
“We condemn the military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran since June 13, 2025, which constitute a violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and express grave concern over the subsequent escalation of the security situation in the Middle East,” the declaration stated.
The group also raised alarm over attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities in Iran under full safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urging the UN Security Council to address the matter.
The conflict, which erupted when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military, nuclear, and civilian targets, killed at least 935 people and injured more than 5,300, according to Iranian authorities. Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone strikes killed 29 and wounded over 3,400 in Israel. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect on June 24.
BRICS members denounced terrorist violence in Syria, including a deadly church bombing in Damascus, and “strongly” condemned Israel’s continued occupation of Syrian land.
The group called on Israel to withdraw from the occupied Syrian territories in line with the 1974 disengagement agreement and international law. BRICS also welcomed the recent lifting of unilateral sanctions on Syria, expressing hope this would support the country’s reconstruction following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led the opposition forces that toppled Assad, currently serves as Syria’s transitional president.
Reaffirming support for Palestinian statehood, BRICS declared Gaza an “inseparable part” of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and called for the unification of Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority.
The declaration expressed “grave concern” over Israel’s ongoing military campaign, obstruction of aid, and use of starvation as a weapon. It urged an “immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire,” the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of hostages, and unfettered humanitarian access.
The bloc also opposed any demographic changes or forced displacement in Gaza and reiterated support for full UN membership for the State of Palestine, affirming a two-state solution as the path to peace.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza, ongoing since October 2023, has killed more than 57,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to health authorities in the enclave.
The BRICS nations also criticized the growing use of unilateral tariffs, protectionist measures, and non-tariff barriers, describing them as threats to global trade and the rules-based multilateral trading system.
“We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures, which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,” the statement said, in an apparent reference to recent tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump has set a July 9 deadline for ongoing tariff negotiations, with no plans to extend talks, raising concerns among trading partners.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to the World Trade Organization (WTO) as the “only multilateral institution with the mandate, expertise, and reach” to maintain fair global trade.
The summit concluded with a renewed call for international cooperation, multilateral diplomacy, and a global order rooted in equality, sovereignty, and the rule of law.
1 min read
5 min read
