President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on BRICS to play a more effective role in defending national sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force, warning that economic resilience cannot be sustained without peace and security.
Addressing the 18th BRICS Plus Summit under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” President Pezeshkian said BRICS has evolved beyond a framework for cooperation among emerging economies and reflects growing demand for a more balanced and inclusive global order.
He stressed that no country can address today’s global challenges alone, urging BRICS to transform the dispersed capacities of Global South countries into shared capabilities. He said Iran’s geopolitical position, energy resources and transit potential could contribute to developing trade and energy corridors among BRICS members.
President Pezeshkian identified excessive dependence on limited financial and trade systems as a major source of economic vulnerability. He said unilateral sanctions directly affect food security and people’s welfare, calling for expanded trade in national currencies and stronger support for the New Development Bank.
Turning to security, he said that US and Israeli military aggression against Iran demonstrated how attacks on economic, energy and development infrastructure can produce consequences extending beyond national borders. He said Iranian women, men, children and civilians had lost their lives and infrastructure built over decades had been damaged.
The president also highlighted the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, arguing that international law requires an effective response to military aggression, killings and destruction. He urged BRICS to strengthen efforts to defend sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of force.
He also warned that development cannot be considered sustainable if it increases inequality or shifts costs onto future generations. War, he said, is a major driver of environmental destruction, while attacks on energy and industrial infrastructure can also damage natural resources.
President Pezeshkian further emphasized the importance of knowledge and innovation, saying artificial intelligence and emerging technologies should empower nations rather than become instruments of domination.
He said Iran is ready to contribute its capacities to BRICS cooperation, stressing that resilience requires lasting cooperation, collaboration requires justice, and sustainability depends on peace and security.