image sourced from original article at The foreign ministers of the five nation grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa failed to issue a joint statement after meeting, exposing sharp divisions over the conflict in West Asia. The deadlock stemmed from disagreements between the United Arab Emirates and Iran, with the Emirates pushing for strong condemnation of Iran’s actions while Tehran sought explicit criticism of the United States and Israel. The meeting concluded with a Chair’s statement acknowledging differing views among members.
Iran’s foreign minister blamed an unnamed country, widely understood to be the United Arab Emirates, for blocking language critical of Israel and described it as complicit in aggression against Iran. He expressed hope that tensions could ease before India hosts the leaders’ summit later this year, stressing the need for regional coexistence.
The Chair’s statement highlighted calls for dialogue, respect for sovereignty, protection of civilians and the uninterrupted flow of maritime commerce through international waterways. It also noted reservations by a member state over paragraphs addressing Palestine and navigational rights in the Red Sea and the Bab al Mandab Strait, reflecting continued divisions within the grouping over the broader regional crisis and its global economic impact.
