BRICS condemns attack on Iran, criticizing Trump's tariffs

The BRICS group of developing countries condemned the tariffs and attacks on Iran at a meeting in Brazil on Sunday, but stopped short of directly naming US President Donald Trump.

The statement, which also addressed Israel’s military actions in the Middle East, avoided any criticism of Russia, one of the group’s founding members, and made only one mention of war-torn Ukraine. In a statement, the BRICS members expressed “serious concern” about the rising tariffs, describing them as inconsistent with World Trade Organization rules.

In an indirect reference to the US, they said the new restrictions “risk reducing global trade, disrupting global supply chains and destabilising the region.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also criticized NATO’s decision to increase defense spending to 5 percent of member states’ GDP, saying, “It is easier to invest in war than in peace.” The statement also condemned the attacks on Iran, without naming the United States or Israel. The BRICS leaders, expressing “deep concern” about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, called for the release of all hostages and a return to the negotiating table. They also reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution.