Amid Disagreements Over Iran War, BRICS End Summit Without Joint Statement

02:14 16.5.2026

Top diplomats from BRICS grouping of nations — including bitter enemies Iran and the United Arab Emirates — did not issue a joint statement on May 15 after a two-day summit in Delhi.

Tehran had sought to have the grouping of emerging economies condemn the US-Israeli war with Iran and accused the UAE, a US ally, of direct ⁠involvement in military operations against the Islamic republic.

“There were differing views among some members as regards the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region,” India said in a statement and outcome document.

BRICS consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, Iran, and the UAE.

Tehran has launched missiles and drones at the UAE in retaliation for the US-Israeli air strikes that began on February 28. The fighting is mostly paused with the introduction of a cease-fire agreed to by the US and Tehran.

The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, on May 11 reported that the UAE had carried out military operations on Iran in early April.

The UAE ⁠did not confirm the report, but on May 16 it said all actions taken came within its framework of defensive measures ⁠aimed at protecting its sovereignty, civilians, and vital infrastructure.

Source: blockade-gulf-israel/33640284.html?lbis=455309

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.