Iran at BRICS urges members to condemn attacks on sovereignty, civilians
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Iran's Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni on Friday, 25 July 2025, called on BRICS member states to take a 'clear and firm position' condemning aggression, violations of national sovereignty, attacks on civilians, and the destruction of critical infrastructure — remarks delivered at the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in New Delhi. Momeni characterised the violation of Iran's territorial integrity and the targeting of civilian facilities as a 'clear violation' of the United Nations charter and the fundamental principles of international law.
Key Statements at the BRICS DRR Meeting
Addressing the ministerial gathering, Momeni argued that a united BRICS voice in defence of international law and opposition to the use of force would 'send an important message to the international community and contribute to strengthening international peace, security, and stability,' according to a post shared by the Iranian Embassy in India on X. His remarks explicitly cited the destruction of infrastructure, power plants, residential areas, schools, and hospitals as violations warranting collective condemnation.
The statements come amid renewed tensions in West Asia following ongoing military exchanges between the United States and Iran, lending his diplomatic appeal an unmistakably urgent backdrop.
Iran's Disaster Risk Proposals for BRICS
Beyond the political dimension, Momeni presented a substantive agenda on disaster resilience. He proposed that BRICS strengthen cooperation through operational plans based on the bloc's adopted documents, specialised training programmes, exchanges of technical and operational teams, and joint exercises among member states. Iran, he noted, has accumulated considerable experience managing earthquakes, floods, droughts, and storms owing to its geographical conditions, and expressed readiness to share that expertise.
Momeni also broadened the frame of resilience, describing it as encompassing not just post-disaster reconstruction but also prevention, preparedness, smart risk management, and maintaining essential services during crises. He termed the resilience of critical infrastructure a 'fundamental pillar of national security, human safety, and sustainable development.'
Multilateral Cooperation and Global Challenges
The minister underscored that climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure have collectively threatened the security and development of nations worldwide. He argued that no country can effectively confront these challenges alone, making multilateral cooperation 'more essential than ever.' He described BRICS as an effective platform for promoting resilience and exchanging expertise in crisis management.
Momeni proposed transforming BRICS into not merely an engine of economic growth but a 'global model for disaster prevention, protection of critical infrastructure, and protecting human lives.' He also expressed appreciation for India hosting the meeting.
India's BRICS Chairship and the Bloc's Composition
India's BRICS Chairship is guided by the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability' — a people-centric approach that Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated at the 2025 Rio Summit. BRICS now comprises 11 major emerging markets and developing economies: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
Iran's dual-track message — political condemnation of aggression alongside constructive disaster-risk proposals — signals its intent to leverage the BRICS platform for both diplomatic legitimacy and technical cooperation as tensions with the West persist.