Iran–UAE Clash Erupts at BRICS Meeting in Delhi Amid West Asia Tensions

New Delhi, May 15, 2026 A sharp diplomatic confrontation between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) overshadowed the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, highlighting deepening divisions within the grouping. The exchange reflected rising tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its growing impact on global diplomacy. During the meeting, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the UAE of providing military and intelligence support to the United States and Israel. In response, the UAE stated that Iran had targeted its energy facilities and threatened regional security, further escalating the war of words between the two sides. The situation became tense enough that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had to intervene to help de-escalate the confrontation. The broader conflict is connected to the recent West Asia war that began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February 2026, followed by Iranian missile and drone attacks on US positions in the Gulf region. India, which currently holds the BRICS presidency, emphasized the importance of ensuring safe maritime trade, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident underscores how ongoing regional conflicts are increasingly influencing multilateral platforms like BRICS, testing diplomatic balance and unity among member nations.