Russia, China Lead BRICS Condemnation of Western Allies Over Iran

At the BRICS International Economic Summit, held this week under the leadership of Russia and China and with active participation from Iran, member states issued a sharply worded condemnation of recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets. The statement, released Sunday, called the strikes “a reckless violation of sovereignty” and demanded Israel withdraw from Gaza, while ignoring Iran’s long-standing record of terrorism in the Middle East.

Among the attendees was David Weiss, a Jewish-American affiliated with the anti-Zionist Neturei Karta sect, who reportedly met with Iran’s Foreign Minister during the summit. In response, Israel's Interior Minister revoked his entry permit and declared Weiss persona non grata.

The BRICS coalition focused heavily on what it called the “humanitarian disaster” in Gaza, accusing Israel of blocking aid and violating international law. The Israeli government has denied the accusations, stating that aid continues to flow through approved corridors with security checks in place. The bloc called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

In a swift and scathing response, President Donald Trump took to social media Monday morning, threatening 10% tariffs on any BRICS member that backs what he described as “anti-American economic or diplomatic activity.”

“Any country supporting BRICS’ anti-Western agenda will pay a price. That price is 10%,” Trump posted.

The BRICS alliance—originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has recently expanded to include Iran, Egypt, the UAE, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, further signaling its intent to position itself as a geopolitical counterweight to the U.S. and its allies. Notably, Saudi Arabia declined to join despite heavy lobbying.

The summit marks yet another step in Iran’s campaign to gain legitimacy and protection under the umbrella of rising non-Western alliances, even as it escalates aggression and refuses international inspections of its nuclear program.

Trump’s message signals that Washington is not willing to tolerate economic or diplomatic alignment with Iran, especially as tensions continue to rise across the Middle East following the missile war launched by Tehran in April.

Whether the BRICS bloc will act on its rhetoric remains to be seen. But in both diplomatic and economic arenas, the battle lines between the West and its challengers have rarely been clearer.