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.

Jaishankar Urges BRICS to Deepen Cooperation, Push Reforms

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday called upon BRICS nations to find practical ways to deal with the fallout of ongoing global conflicts, economic volatility, and trade disruptions, even as India advances institutional reforms to accommodate the grouping’s expanded membership.

Opening the two-day BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here, Jaishankar emphasised that the bloc must play a constructive and stabilising role amid growing uncertainty in international relations. The meeting at Bharat Mandapam brought together foreign ministers from core members including Russia, Brazil, and Iran, along with partner countries.

Time of considerable flux

“We meet at a time of considerable flux in international relations,” Jaishankar said in his opening remarks. “Ongoing conflicts, economic uncertainties, and challenges in trade, technology, and climate are shaping the global landscape.”

He noted that developing nations and emerging markets are increasingly looking to BRICS for stability and workable solutions. The minister stressed the need to reflect on global and regional developments and explore concrete steps to strengthen cooperation.

Institutional reforms under Indian chair

As the current chair, India has prioritised building a more inclusive and effective framework. Jaishankar highlighted progress in discussions on institutional development, including updating mechanisms to better integrate new members.

“It is essential for the smooth advancement of BRICS that later members fully appreciate and subscribe to BRICS’ consensus on various important issues,” he said.

Officials indicated that India’s chairmanship has already facilitated over 80 BRICS meetings involving all member states since January. This is India’s fourth stint at the helm, following previous summits in 2012, 2016, and 2021.

Development challenges in focus

Ministers are expected to address pressing issues affecting many countries, particularly in energy, food, fertiliser, and health security, as well as access to finance. Jaishankar said BRICS can help members respond more effectively to these challenges.

He also underlined the importance of reliable supply chains and diversified markets for building economic resilience in the face of global disruptions.

Climate, tech and equitable growth

Climate change figured prominently in the discussions. The minister called for sustainable development efforts guided by principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities.

On technology, Jaishankar pointed to the rapid pace of change and the need to harness innovations for inclusive growth and better governance.

Peace, security and counterterrorism

Peace and security issues remained central to the conversations. Recent conflicts have reinforced the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, Jaishankar noted. There was also strong emphasis on strengthening cooperation against terrorism, an area of shared interest among members.

The presence of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov added weight to discussions on geopolitical challenges.

Looking ahead

The two-day meeting, scheduled for May 14 and 15, forms part of broader consultations on global economic governance, development priorities, and current geopolitical realities. Outcomes are expected to feed into further BRICS processes under India’s presidency.

Analysts see the gathering as an opportunity for the expanded bloc to demonstrate its relevance in a fragmented world order. With multiple partner countries participating, the focus remains on practical coordination rather than grand declarations.

Local diplomatic circles in New Delhi described the meeting as business-like, with delegations working through detailed agendas on multilateral reform and economic cooperation. Many observers believe successful institutional adjustments will determine how effectively BRICS can deliver on expectations of emerging economies.

As global attention remains fixed on multiple conflict zones and economic headwinds, India’s push for pragmatic cooperation reflects its longstanding approach of seeking inclusive solutions through platforms like BRICS.