Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) joined other BRICS nations on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, in signing a joint declaration calling for "maximum restraint" in the Middle East. The statement, issued during a summit in New Delhi, India, urged all parties to avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation. This consensus follows months of strikes involving the United States and Iran, including a late August attack by Iran on the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE, which houses U.S. forces.
The agreement was reached as the BRICS bloc—originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—seeks to challenge a world order dominated by the United States and its Western allies. The group recently expanded to include Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. Host nation India and other member states focused on finding language acceptable to both Tehran and Abu Dhabi to demonstrate unity among emerging nations, despite their opposing positions in the six-month-old war.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a private meeting on the summit's sidelines, marking the highest-level contact between the two nations since the conflict began. The Abu Dhabi media office reported that the leaders discussed de-escalation, stability, and regional peace, though no specific resolutions were announced. Chinese President Xi Jinping also addressed the summit, stating that China is ready to play its due role in achieving peace and stability and that relevant parties should work toward a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
On a global scale, the declaration emphasizes the protection of maritime security and energy flows. This affects international shipping and consumers worldwide, as the conflict has previously disrupted supply chains and contributed to oil prices rising above $100 a barrel. While foreign policy experts noted the statement might not immediately alter the battlefield, a sustained commitment to protecting energy flows could stabilize fuel and transportation costs for households that have seen recent spikes in energy expenses and inflation.
The consensus reached in New Delhi allowed the BRICS bloc to keep "difficult conversations" going between regional rivals. By bringing Iran and the UAE to the same table, the group is testing its ability to influence global rules regarding institutions such as the World Bank and IMF. The next steps involve translating this consensus into trade cooperation and reduced business barriers, as pushed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The summit's first day concluded on Saturday, with members looking toward future meetings to solidify these diplomatic gains.