Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi asserted on Tuesday that developed nations bear the primary historical responsibility for most of the world’s environmental challenges due to their past practices.
Araqchi’s remarks were made during his speech at the BRICS summit hosted by Brazil, which focused on environmental and global health issues, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency.
“The BRICS group represents an important symbol of South-South cooperation and an independent voice for nations,” Araqchi stated. He added, “We have gathered today under circumstances where humanity faces a series of interconnected crises, from the profound impacts of climate change and environmental destruction to the increasing threats to global health, and finally, the unjust structures that hinder the progress of developing nations.”
The Iranian foreign minister highlighted that sanctions and geopolitical tensions have weakened climate cooperation and impeded international coordination. He stated, “The unjust sanctions and unilateral coercive measures imposed by some developed nations on developing countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, under political pretexts, constitute a significant obstacle to the efforts of these countries. Such measures also contradict the international community’s goals in addressing the impacts of climate change and striving for sustainable development, especially the eradication of poverty and hunger.”
Araqchi also pointed to recent attacks by what he termed the “Israeli entity,” supported by the United States, on Iranian nuclear facilities. He condemned these attacks as violations of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“We are facing a disturbing situation where two nuclear-armed entities are attacking a non-nuclear state, which is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and whose nuclear activities are under comprehensive supervision by the IAEA,” Araqchi declared. He warned that these “reckless and aggressive attacks carry grave humanitarian and environmental risks, as well as irreparable ecological damage.”
In closing, the foreign minister emphasized that Iran, with its vast natural resources, human capabilities, and strategic geopolitical position, believes decisions must be made participatively and fairly, based on the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.” He called on BRICS nations to become the unified voice of the Global South on environmental and climate issues.
