Sharp differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates over the ongoing West Asia conflict came to the forefront during the opening day of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Thursday, exposing growing divisions within the bloc over the regional crisis.
Sources familiar with the discussions told PTI that tense exchanges took place between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar during the initial sessions of the meeting.
The disagreement reportedly escalated to a point where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov intervened in an attempt to calm tensions between the two sides.
The developments highlighted the difficulties BRICS may face in formulating a unified position on the West Asia conflict as geopolitical divisions among member nations continue to deepen.
Iran accuses US and Israel of aggression
During his address at the meeting, Araghchi said Iran had become a victim of what he described as “illegal expansionism and warmongering.”
He urged BRICS nations to strongly condemn alleged violations of international law by the United States and Israel, while calling for resistance against what he termed “Western hegemony.”
“Iran calls upon BRICS member states and all responsible members of the international community to explicitly condemn violations of international law by the United States and Israel, including their illegal aggression against Iran,” Araghchi said.
He also argued that BRICS should emerge as a major pillar in building a more balanced global order where military power and geopolitical influence do not override international law.
While criticising the United States and Israel, the Iranian minister did not directly mention the UAE during his official remarks.
UAE raises concerns over Iran’s regional actions
However, according to people aware of the discussions, the UAE representative referred to Iran during his intervention and criticised Tehran over alleged attacks on neighbouring countries and regional infrastructure.
Soon after those remarks, Araghchi reportedly responded by accusing the UAE of allowing its territory to be used by the United States for military operations targeting Iran.
Sources told PTI that the UAE minister reacted sharply to the accusation, leading to further tension during the closed-door discussions.
The diplomatic friction reflects growing strain between Iran and the UAE in recent weeks, particularly over allegations related to attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.
BRICS struggling to reach consensus on West Asia crisis
The sharp disagreements between the two member states have reportedly complicated efforts within BRICS to issue a joint consensus statement on the West Asia conflict.
BRICS functions largely through consensus-based decision-making, meaning objections from any member country can delay or block common declarations.
Diplomatic observers believe the latest tensions could make it difficult for the bloc to adopt a unified position on the crisis despite increasing global pressure for coordinated diplomatic efforts.
The issue has gained greater significance amid rising concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies and instability in major shipping corridors linked to the conflict.
Expanded BRICS bloc faces growing geopolitical challenges
Originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the BRICS grouping expanded in 2024 to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE. Indonesia joined the bloc in 2025.
The New Delhi meeting is being viewed as particularly important as member nations attempt to address the economic fallout from the West Asia crisis, including volatile energy prices and disruptions in global trade.
The bloc is also discussing broader concerns related to US trade policies, tariffs and shifting geopolitical alignments as emerging economies seek greater influence in global governance.
(With inputs from PTI)
Iran-UAE rift over West Asia conflict surfaces at BRICS meeting
