UNSC reform 'not an option, but a necessity', Iran's Araghchi tells BRICS meet

Iranian foreign minister accuses US, Israel of targeting schools and civilians in strikes that began February 28

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday called for sweeping reforms of the United Nations Security Council, describing the overhaul as essential for the world body's survival, while launching sharp criticisms against the United States and Israel over military strikes targeting Iranian civilians and infrastructure.

Speaking on the second day of the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in the Indian capital, Araghchi accused both nations of deliberately attacking schools, refineries, bridges, and cultural sites in a campaign he said began on the morning of February 28.

Military strikes and civilian casualties

According to Araghchi, the military aggression commenced at 9:30 am on Saturday, February 28, and did not allow sufficient time for schools to evacuate students. He alleged that the Minab School was struck in a second attack before children could be moved to safety.

"The Iranian government immediately announced a nationwide school closure after the terrorist act against the Supreme Leader and the beginning of the military aggression," Araghchi said. "But the aggressors did not even give children half an hour to survive."

The foreign minister claimed that refineries, petrochemical complexes, railway networks, stadiums, energy transmission lines, and industrial facilities have also been targeted. Officials familiar with his remarks said these allegations were among the most detailed Iran has presented at a multilateral forum to date.

Double standards condemned

Araghchi urged international organisations and member governments to reject what he described as selective application of humanitarian law. He warned that silence over civilian suffering in Iran could set a dangerous precedent globally.

"If today we remain silent in the face of the suffering of the Iranian people, in the face of the unjustly shed blood of citizens, in the face of the terror of children in schools in Minab, and in the face of attacks on infrastructure, tomorrow this cycle of violence and instability could spread to any other part of the world," he said.

The Iranian minister stressed that a child's life in Minab holds equal value to a child's life anywhere else. Sources present at the session said his remarks drew mixed reactions from participating delegations.

UNSC reform a necessity

Shifting focus to global governance, Araghchi described reform of the United Nations Security Council as unavoidable. He argued that the current structure serves the interests of a few powers at the expense of fair representation.

"We seek a Council that truly represents all continents and regions of the world, a Council in which power is distributed responsibly and fairly, and not just in the interests of a few abusive and aggressive powers," he said.

The Iranian foreign minister also highlighted BRICS as having the potential to become the backbone of genuine multilateralism. His comments come as the grouping continues discussions on expanding its influence in global decision-making.

India's role and meeting context

The BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting, being held in New Delhi, has brought together top diplomats from member nations including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa alongside recently joined countries. The session titled "Rebuilding the Global Order: The Necessity of Reforming International Governance and Revival of Multilateralism" has seen sharp exchanges over the past two days.

Local authorities confirmed heightened security around the venue in the capital's diplomatic enclave. The meeting is scheduled to conclude Saturday afternoon.

US Considers Hypersonic Missile Deployment as Iran Accuses Pentagon of Hiding War Costs

Tehran has hit back sharply at Washington over the ongoing costs of the US-Iran conflict, even as reports emerge of American military leaders presenting fresh strike options to President Donald Trump. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed on Friday that US spending has already reached $100 billion, far exceeding official Pentagon figures, and accused Israel’s actions of dragging America into an expensive gamble.

Araghchi posted on X that “the Pentagon is lying” and that Netanyahu’s approach has directly cost the US $100 billion so far—four times what has been publicly claimed. He added that American households are bearing roughly $500 in monthly costs, with indirect expenses likely much higher. The remarks came amid a fragile ceasefire that has held since early April but shows signs of strain.

Tensions Over War Costs and Narratives

Iranian officials have repeatedly challenged the US framing of the conflict as self-defence. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticised a State Department document that justified American action as collective self-defence for Israel and the US’s own inherent right. “Self-defence against what?” Baghaei asked on social media, calling it a war of aggression.

On the ground, the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt global energy flows and supply chains. Oil prices rose again on Friday, with Brent crude climbing about 1% to around $111 per barrel, reflecting persistent uncertainty. The blockade has also affected fertiliser shipments, prompting warnings from industry leaders that nearly 10 billion meals a week could be at risk for the world’s poorest nations if disruptions continue.

Internal Rifts in Iranian Leadership

Adding to the complexity, reports suggest growing friction inside Iran’s government. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf are reportedly seeking the removal of Foreign Minister Araghchi. According to Iran International, the two leaders believe Araghchi has bypassed the presidency and followed directives more aligned with the Revolutionary Guard, particularly from figures like Ahmad Vahidi.

These claims remain unconfirmed by Iranian state media, but they point to possible differences over how to handle negotiations and the military track. Meanwhile, Iran’s chief justice insisted Tehran has never left the negotiating table, stating the country welcomes talks based on “logic and rationality” while remaining unafraid of conflict if its dignity is threatened.

US Military Weighs Renewed Options

Late on Thursday, President Trump received a high-level briefing from US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine. Sources told outlets including Axios that the roughly 45-minute session included discussions on potential renewed action against Iran.

Separately, Bloomberg reported that CENTCOM has requested deployment of the Army’s Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system to the Middle East. The long-range weapon is seen as necessary to reach ballistic missile launchers that Iran has reportedly moved beyond the range of existing US systems like the Precision Strike Missile. If approved, this would mark the first operational deployment of America’s hypersonic capability, though the system is still limited in production and has faced development delays.

Impact on Global Economy and Region

The ripple effects are being felt far beyond the Gulf. The United Arab Emirates announced its exit from OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance effective May 1, a move that could reshape oil production dynamics at a sensitive time. For India, a major importer, the development carries both risks from higher prices and potential opportunities if Gulf producers increase output independently.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that prolonged Hormuz tensions would slow his country’s economy, given Asia’s dependence on Gulf energy. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the strait’s closure as “strangling” global markets for energy, transport, manufacturing and food, urging dialogue to avoid further escalation.

In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces reported striking dozens of Hezbollah sites despite a nominal ceasefire, while Lebanese officials reported civilian casualties from fresh raids. These developments add layers of regional volatility even as the core US-Iran standoff dominates headlines.

What Lies Ahead

Talks mediated by Pakistan appear stalled, with sources indicating Iran may submit a revised peace proposal soon. Trump has suggested Iran is eager for a deal but also indicated that restarting military pressure remains on the table if needed. He has pushed back against European and other allies criticising Washington’s approach, at times hinting at adjustments to US troop presence in Europe.

For now, the ceasefire holds, yet military preparations continue on both sides. Analysts note that any resumption of direct strikes could further inflame oil markets and humanitarian concerns linked to supply disruptions. Iranian officials, meanwhile, maintain they did not initiate the broader conflict and retain the right to defend themselves.

The coming days will be critical as Washington weighs its next moves, Tehran manages internal and external pressures, and the world watches the economic fallout from one of the most significant disruptions to Gulf shipping in recent memory. Whether diplomacy gains traction or military options are exercised again remains uncertain, but the stakes—for energy security, regional stability and global food chains—could hardly be higher.