BRICS talks end without joint statement, exposing divisions over war in Iran
Source: Reuters
May 15, 2026 5:04 AM EDT Updated 2 hours ago
NEW DELHI, May 15 (Reuters) - Top diplomats from BRICS nations, including rivals Iran and the United Arab Emirates, failed to issue a joint statement on Friday after a two-day meeting in Delhi, leaving host India to release only a chair's statement that exposed their differences.
Tehran had wanted the grouping of emerging economies to condemn the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and accused U.S. ally the UAE of direct involvement in military operations against it. Iran has struck the UAE with missiles and drones several times since the war began on February 28.
"There were differing views among some members as regards the situation in the West Asia/Middle East region," India said in the statement and outcome document. Without naming the UAE, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told a news conference that a BRICS member blocked some parts of the statement.
"We have no difficulty with that certain country, they have not been our target in the current war. We only hit American military bases and American military installations which are unfortunately on their soil," he said, adding that he hoped things would change when BRICS leaders meet later this year.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/china/india-issues-chair-statement-after-brics-meeting-amid-differences-over-gulf-2026-05-15/