BRICS' Silence During Iran's Time Of Need

The Middle East is witnessing a dangerous escalation as Israeli airstrikes target sensitive Iranian sites and Tehran responds with missile attacks on Tel Aviv.

This unprecedented exchange of fire is rapidly reshaping regional power dynamics. However, a notable absence has emerged amid the turmoil: the strategic silence of the BRICS nations.

As a recent member of the bloc, Iran had hoped for robust support from its new allies against its long-standing adversary.

Instead, neither Russia, China, nor India has stepped forward—exposing the limits of an alliance Tehran once viewed as a counterweight to Western dominance.

Diplomatic Support Without Military Commitment

Despite Russia’s reputation as Iran’s closest strategic partner, Moscow has made clear it will not offer military assistance.

In a recent statement, the Kremlin condemned Israeli actions as violations of the United Nations Charter and international law, and Vladimir Putin personally conveyed his condolences to the Iranian people for their losses.

The Russian president also spoke directly with both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging de-escalation.

However, these diplomatic gestures have been accompanied by a firm disclaimer: the “Strategic Partnership Treaty” signed between Russia and Iran in January 2025 and ratified this spring contains no mutual defense clause.

The agreement only commits the two countries not to support each other’s enemies. Russia’s cautious approach is shaped by multiple factors, including its ongoing war in Ukraine and a desire to avoid opening a second front against Israel, a nuclear-armed state.

Additionally, Moscow seeks to maintain dialogue with Washington, positioning itself as a potential mediator in the conflict—a role publicly welcomed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

BRICS Isn't A Security Alliance

Iran’s hopes for collective BRICS support have collided with the realities of international politics. While the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) issued a statement condemning Israeli strikes, the BRICS bloc has remained silent. Deep-seated divisions among its members have prevented a unified response.

China, despite its energy ties with Iran, is reluctant to disrupt its global trade by becoming entangled in the conflict.

India, meanwhile, maintains close security cooperation with Israel and has kept its distance from any overt hostility.

This diplomatic silence underscores a fundamental truth: the BRICS is not a security alliance. Unlike NATO, it lacks a shared military doctrine or coordinated intervention mechanisms.

Each member prioritizes its own national interests, which often conflict—especially in matters of foreign policy.

BRICS' Limited Power

For Iran, this lack of support is a harsh reality check. Having joined the BRICS in January, Tehran had hoped for ideological solidarity against Western hegemony.

Instead, it finds itself isolated, facing a large-scale military offensive without the diplomatic leverage to rally its allies. Unless there is a dramatic shift in posture—which appears unlikely—Iran will have to confront the escalation alone.

The BRICS’ inability to act in a major crisis raises questions about its political credibility. While the bloc remains a powerful forum for challenging the Western economic model—as seen in its members’ massive disengagement from U.S. assets—its failure to respond to urgent security issues could ultimately limit its strategic influence.

For now, Iran stands alone, exposed to the shifting winds of Middle Eastern geopolitics.