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UAE and Iran Back BRICS Joint Statement Calling for Restraint Despite Being on Opposite Sides

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17 hours ago

September 13, 2026

The signing of the joint statement at 18th BRICS Summit at New Delhi was important as the UAE and Iran signed the consensus text despite the differences between them in the context of the current conflict in West Asia.

The agreement was a model for how multilateral diplomacy can bring countries with contentious security issues together. Abu Dhabi and Tehran both advanced ideas of restraint, sovereignty and safeguarding regional stability.

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Pezeshkian and Sheikh Khaled Hold Key Talks

The diplomatic agreement was reached after extensive negotiations and a top-level side meeting on Saturday evening between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed.

Their consultations paved the way for a feasible ground for consensus in the broader framework of BRICS. Instead of being an almost point-by-point rehash of the previous agreement, the pronouncement was on principles that both sides could agree to upfront so as not to split the community of the summit.

BRICS Declaration Calls for Maximum Restraint

One of the key points of the New Delhi Declaration was that all parties should exercise maximum restraint. The statement showed great concern at the ongoing conflict in the region, and stated that nations must refrain from any activities or measures that might further plunge the conflict into further instability.

The language offered a diplomatic room for both the UAE and Iranians to be part of the consensus. In a tone that was attuned to restraint rather than mention of specific matters, BRICS was able to tackle the broader security risk without compromising the unity of the declaration.

Civilian and Nuclear Infrastructure Protection

The statement also slammed attacks on civilian use facilities and peaceful nuclear plants under IAEA safeguards. It didn’t mention countries or any one military action but implied Iran’s central concern.

A wider security aspect was introduced with the expression of the need to be mindful of the protection of civilian and nuclear infrastructure. It restated the idea that important power plants would continue to be safe during the ” Clausius stage,” when the whole region is in a stew.

Maritime and Energy Security Remain Critical

The importance of maintaining the smooth movement of global trade, supply chains and energy corridors was among the areas emphasized in the declaration. The region is especially relevant regarding the Gulf, where energy supplies and maritime transport are closely linked to security of the Gulf region.

The safe implementation of the economic corridors is key to the broader regional and international security and stability of the UAE and Iran. The BRICS statement thus was aligned with conflict de-escalation and stability in the global economy.

Pragmatic Diplomatic Compromise

The UAE-Iran consensus shows the possibilities of pragmatic multilateralism in times of geopolitical polarisation. Through the Charters of the United Nations, sovereignty, territorial integrity and diplomacy, BRICS created a blueprint for conflict resolution in which views diverged.

The state of regional misunderstandings did not change following the New Delhi agreement, only did it create a common diplomatic framework. The UAE and Iran’s backing of the statement underscores the fact that dialogue can go on despite serious differences in terms of the fares between the UAE and Iran.

FAQs

What’s the rationale for the UAE and Iran behind support for BRICS’ joint statement?

Despite their opposing points of view on the conflict, both countries shared a consensus position that prioritized restraint, sovereignty and civilian protection and regional stability.

What did the BRICS statement call for?

The declaration emphasized “maximum restraint” and asked parties to refrain from activities that would add to the instability in the region.

Why is maritime security important in the agreement?

The declaration highlighted safe trade, energy corridors and trade and logistics routes as these could be impacted should there be disruptions in the region affecting the economies of the Gulf and the rest of the world.