Diplomacy – Iran Pushes for Global Reforms at BRICS Ministerial Meeting

Diplomacy – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi used the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi to urge major reforms in international governance systems while sharply criticising recent attacks on civilians and infrastructure in Iran. Addressing delegates during a session focused on rebuilding the global order and strengthening multilateral cooperation, Araghchi accused the United States and Israel of carrying out military strikes that affected schools, public facilities and critical infrastructure across the country.

Allegations Over Attacks on Civilians

During his speech, Araghchi claimed that military operations began on February 28 and disrupted civilian life before authorities could take emergency measures. He alleged that schools were unable to close in time and students were left exposed during the escalation.

The Iranian minister specifically referred to an incident involving the Minab School, saying a second strike occurred before children and staff could safely evacuate the premises. According to him, Iranian authorities had already announced nationwide school closures following what he described as a targeted act against Iran’s Supreme Leader and the beginning of hostilities.

Araghchi stated that children were placed at immediate risk because there was insufficient time to complete evacuations after the attacks started. He called on the international community to respond more strongly to incidents affecting civilians during conflicts.

Concerns Over Damage to Infrastructure

The Iranian foreign minister also accused the attackers of damaging facilities considered essential to everyday life in the country. He listed refineries, bridges, railways, petrochemical sites, industrial complexes, power transmission systems and cultural locations among the targets allegedly affected during the strikes.

According to Araghchi, attacks on infrastructure create long-term consequences that extend beyond military objectives and directly affect ordinary citizens. He warned that silence from the international community could encourage similar instability in other regions.

“If such actions are ignored today, the same pattern of violence may spread elsewhere tomorrow,” he told delegates during the meeting.

Call Against Double Standards

A major part of Araghchi’s address focused on what he described as unequal international responses to conflicts around the world. He urged governments and international organisations to condemn attacks on civilians regardless of where they occur.

He argued that all civilian lives should receive equal attention from the global community and criticised what he called selective reactions to humanitarian crises. The minister said international institutions must adopt consistent standards when responding to violence involving children and civilian populations.

Push for United Nations Reform

Shifting to broader geopolitical issues, Araghchi stressed the need for reforms within the United Nations system, particularly the UN Security Council. He argued that the current structure no longer reflects modern global realities and should provide wider regional representation.

According to the Iranian minister, a restructured Security Council should distribute influence more fairly among nations rather than concentrating power within a limited group of countries. He said such reforms are necessary to preserve the credibility of international institutions and restore trust in multilateral cooperation.

BRICS Seen as Expanding Global Influence

Araghchi also highlighted the growing importance of BRICS in international affairs. He described the grouping as a platform capable of strengthening balanced global cooperation without creating direct confrontation between nations.

The minister said deeper economic, technological and financial collaboration among BRICS countries could reduce reliance on dominant global systems and help developing nations pursue independent and sustainable growth strategies.

He concluded by calling for a transition from short-term crisis management to broader structural reforms aimed at ensuring long-term peace and stability through collective international participation.