Iran and UAE Sign BRICS Peace Declaration Amid Regional Tensions
Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) endorsed a joint BRICS declaration on Saturday, September 12, calling for "maximum restraint" amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. This move is seen by Reuters as a significant diplomatic development between the two nations, which have been divided by the war. The BRICS declaration expressed "deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and West Asia," urging parties to avoid actions that could worsen the situation.
The summit's participants also called for the protection of civilians, respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the security of global trade, supply chains, and energy flows. The presence of Iran, Russia, and China among the signatories lends particular weight to this appeal. The joint declaration was signed by Iran and the UAE, marking a notable shift from May, when BRICS foreign ministers struggled to agree on a joint statement due to serious disagreements between Tehran and Abu Dhabi.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the summit, representing the highest-level meeting between the two countries since the current war began. According to the Abu Dhabi media office, discussions focused on regional and international issues, de-escalation, stability, and efforts toward regional peace and development. This meeting occurred despite Iran having previously attacked UAE targets, including an airbase in late August.
Separately, Iran's Minister of Economy and Finance, Seyed Ali Madanizadeh, met with Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS, to discuss multilateral cooperation and potential financing for regional development. This highlights Iran's practical engagement with BRICS beyond the peace initiative, seeking new financial opportunities.
Former Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Sanjay Sudhir, suggested that the BRICS declaration itself may not directly alter the Middle East situation, stating that the "key to ending the war lies with the US and Israel." He credited India with facilitating dialogue and demonstrating that regional states can engage in constructive discussions. Chinese President Xi Jinping also affirmed China's readiness to play a role in achieving Middle East peace, calling for a political settlement and a comprehensive ceasefire. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hosting the summit, emphasized BRICS' maturity and its need to translate unity into tangible global results.
