Russia says BRICS unlikely to aid Iran amid conflict

The Kremlin said on Monday that BRICS membership does not entail obligations to assist Iran in the event of armed conflict, after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against the Islamic Republic on Saturday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskotv told reporters that the bloc is focused on cooperation in economic and other spheres, not military support. “Membership in BRICS does not provide for commitments to help during armed aggression. It is an organization of a different nature,” he said.

Peskov added that Russia remains in contact with Iran’s leadership and with countries affected by the escalating confrontation.

The remarks came after Washington and Tel Aviv began a joint military operation against Iran on Feb. 28, citing Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Iranian cities, including the capital, were hit, and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in one of the strikes. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East.

The Kremlin has announced that President Vladimir Putin will hold international talks on the crisis.