WANA (May 15) – On the second day of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held under the theme “Reconstructing the Global Order: The Necessity of Reforming International Governance and Revitalizing Multilateralism,” Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi delivered a comprehensive address.

 

Speaking on May 15, 2026, Araghchi outlined Iran’s vision for a more equitable international system and issued a blistering critique of current global institutions.

 

The full text of Foreign Minister Araghchi’s speech is as follows:

 

“In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

 

Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Colleagues;

 

Today, the world stands in an era of structural instability and a deep crisis of trust. The structures governing the international order, designed in the post-World War II era, are no longer capable of responding to the realities of the 21st century.

 

The gap between emerging powers and traditional decision-making structures not only threatens global stability but has also fueled widespread injustice in the distribution of power, wealth, and developmental opportunities.

 

Distinguished Colleagues;

 

What we witness today in some international institutions is not “multilateralism,” but an attempt to preserve “unilateralism” under the guise of international law. The instrumental use of law, the imposition of unilateral sanctions, and the disregard for the rights and national sovereignty of countries are signs of a profound crisis in global governance.

 

A system that leaves vital decisions for humanity to a limited group of countries and ignores the interests of developing nations has lost its legitimacy. This approach, based on raw power, not only fails to guarantee peace but is the primary root of regional and global tensions.

 

In this framework, one cannot ignore one of the primary tools of global destabilization: unilateral sanctions. Today, sanctions have transformed from diplomatic tools into weapons for economic warfare and pressure on developing and independent societies.

 

These actions, carried out in blatant violation of international law, target not only governments but the fundamental rights of human beings—including the right to life, the right to access health, food, and development.

 

The sanctions imposed against nations are illegal acts that distort the global economic order, with goals that go beyond conflict resolution to creating pressure for changing political behaviors.

 

The Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes that confronting this “economic terrorism” and creating independent financial mechanisms within the framework of BRICS is an undeniable necessity for preserving the independence and national sovereignty of countries.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen;

The world today is witnessing a return to the era of endless wars, naked violence, and extreme unilateralism. The ideal of peace, freedom, and respect for human rights and dignity has faded, replaced by pride in genocide, looting, and aggression.

 

The application of international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter by powerful aggressors has been reduced to mere words and lies to justify war and occupation. Most international organizations, particularly the United Nations, have seen their legislative power diminished by unilateral bullying.

 

In such circumstances, the ideal of the “Global South’s multilateralism”—upon which BRICS is founded and in which it is crystallized—is more essential and vital than ever for respecting international law, the UN Charter, and global governance. BRICS members consider themselves committed to the implementation and defense of the principles of this Charter.

 

The principle of the “non-use of force,” as a brilliant and central tenet of the UN Charter and a human achievement forged through the bitter experiences of world wars, now faces a serious challenge from the United States.

 

Illegal and unilateral wars by this country have brought the foundations of the international order—which previously bordered on collapse due to lack of justice—to a state now mingled with savagery and barbarism.

 

Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran emphasizes the necessity of fundamental reforms in international organizations, especially the UN Security Council. The reforms we seek are for the “equitable distribution of power,” not merely a change in name or the composition of members. We seek an order in which:

 

  • Justice replaces power,
  • National sovereignty is the primary principle,
  • The rights of all human beings are respected,
  • And cultural and political diversity is accepted.

 

Distinguished Delegations;

 

The current political system requires a total revision. Today, the Security Council is a clear symbol of inefficiency and imbalance. A glaring example of this council’s failure is its silence in the face of the imposed and aggressive war by the U.S. and the Zionist regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

In this war, women and children have been systematically and purposefully targeted. These actions are a flagrant violation of the four Geneva Conventions and are clear instances of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

 

The most catastrophic example was the two-stage attack on the “Shahid Motahhari” girls’ school in the city of Minab, where 168 innocent human beings—including both female and male students—were martyred during school hours in their place of education.

 

The military aggression, which began at 9:30 AM on Saturday, February 28, did not even allow schools the chance to dismiss or for students to return home.

 

The Iranian government declared a nationwide school closure immediately following the terrorist act against the Supreme Leader and the start of the military aggression, but the aggressors did not give the children even half an hour to survive; with a second strike, they targeted the Minab school.

 

Attacks on Iran’s vital infrastructure—including refineries, petrochemical complexes, bridges, railways, stadiums, cultural and historical centers, energy transmission lines, and important industrial facilities—continue this trend. These infrastructures are not just technical or economic facilities; they are the backbone of the people’s daily lives.

 

 

If today we remain silent in the face of the suffering of the Iranian people, the unjustly shed blood of citizens, the terror of children in Minab schools, and the attacks on infrastructure—or if we pass by them due to political considerations—tomorrow this cycle of violence and instability could move to any other point in the world.

 

Defending Iran is defending a universal principle: that no country’s security should be built upon the ruins of the homes, schools, and vital infrastructure of another nation.

 

We call upon all governments and international organizations to stand with a clear and responsible voice against attacks on civilians and vital infrastructure in Iran and to defend the rule of law, justice, and human dignity. The international community must set aside double standards and demonstrate that the life of a child in Minab is as valuable as the life of a child anywhere else in the world.

 

Distinguished Colleagues;

 

Accordingly, reforming the Security Council is not a choice, but a necessity for the survival of the United Nations. We seek a Council that truly represents all continents and regions of the world—a Council where power is distributed with accountability and justice, rather than serving only the interests of certain exploitative and aggressive powers.

 

In the meantime, the BRICS group, representing a large portion of the world’s population and economy, possesses unique potential to become the backbone of genuine multilateralism. In BRICS, we must work not to create a confrontational block, but to create a strategic balance.

 

Our cooperation in economic, financial, and technological fields can reduce dependence on monopolistic structures and provide new space for independence and sustainable development. BRICS can be a model of cooperation based on mutual respect and shared benefit.

 

The time has come to move from “crisis management” to “structural management.” We need an order in which peace is the product of justice, and stability is the result of universal participation. Let us use the capacities of BRICS to rebuild global governance and restore credibility to multilateralism.

 

Thank you for your attention.”