BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting Ends Without Consensus Amid Iran-UAE Differences

The BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by India concluded without a full consensus after Iran raised objections to parts of the proposed outcome document related to Palestine and maritime security in the Red Sea region.

According to sources, Iran expressed disagreement with specific paragraphs discussing the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority and freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait.

The outcome document released following the meeting noted that one member state had reservations regarding parts of the language on Palestine. The paragraph reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination, the unification of the West Bank and Gaza under the Palestinian Authority, and the broader two-state solution framework.

Another disputed section focused on the security situation in Yemen and ensuring safe navigation through major maritime trade routes in the Red Sea region. Sources confirmed that Iran was the only member opposing the final wording of these sections.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi later criticised a country in the region with “special ties with Israel” for blocking consensus during the negotiations, indirectly referring to the United Arab Emirates.

India reportedly attempted to bridge differences between Iran and the UAE during the discussions, as both countries hold differing positions on the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Another paragraph discussing the broader West Asia situation also saw disagreements among member nations. The BRICS grouping has struggled to issue unified statements on the regional conflict due to contrasting views between Tehran and Abu Dhabi regarding responsibility for recent escalations involving the US and Israel.

The meeting, held in New Delhi on May 14 and 15 under India’s chairship, was attended by several foreign ministers including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

This marks the second BRICS meeting in recent months under India’s leadership that failed to produce a joint declaration due to internal disagreements among member nations.

Despite the divisions, the final chair statement reiterated support for a two-state solution regarding Palestine, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.