BRICS countries call for maximum restraint and the protection of civilians in the Middle East conflict

On Saturday, the first day of the summit in New Delhi, the countries belonging to the BRICS diplomatic forum called for “maximum restraint” from all parties involved in the conflict in the Middle East and urged them to avoid actions that could worsen the situation.

The joint statement adopted by the BRICS countries expressed concern over the escalation of tensions and called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The member states encouraged dialogue and diplomacy to reach an agreement that would ensure lasting peace, security and stability in the region.

The BRICS countries also condemned deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under the protection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which they said violate international law.

The statement comes after the recent resumption of military operations in the region, following a month of calm. According to an AFP report, Iran was attacked by the United States and Israel in February and subsequently blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil transited before the war. The blockade, maintained for six months, continues to influence fuel prices. Several Iranian nuclear sites were targeted by US and Israeli strikes.