Iran and Russia Leave BRICS Summit Empty-Handed

Iranian President Pezeshkian returned to Tehran after attending the BRICS summit in India in September 2026. The summit featured notable moments including a car ride between Prime Minister Modi and President Putin, as well as a hug involving Pezeshkian. However, leaders of Russia and Iran returned home without concrete gains, as the summit revealed the limits of BRICS in addressing their needs under sanctions. Pezeshkian urged BRICS to play a more active role in upholding the principle of non-use of force.