BRICS and SCO Face Challenges Amid US-Israeli Military Action Against Iran
Testing BRICS, the SCO, and collective security
Hindustan TimesImage: Hindustan Times
The US-Israeli military action against Iran has tested the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) amid expectations for support. Despite Iran's membership in both groups, divergent responses highlight the limitations of these alliances in addressing military conflicts, revealing internal divisions and the prioritization of national interests over collective action.
- 01US-Israeli military action against Iran has exposed the limitations of BRICS and SCO.
- 02BRICS has remained silent, highlighting its focus on economic issues rather than military alliances.
- 03SCO issued a statement of concern but lacks mechanisms for operational support.
- 04Internal divisions within BRICS complicate consensus on military responses.
- 05The conflict raises questions about the effectiveness of BRICS and SCO in providing alternatives to the Western-dominated order.
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The outbreak of direct US-Israeli military action against Iran on February 28, 2026, has put BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) under scrutiny. Iran, having joined both groups, anticipated support as it faced attacks on its leadership and military infrastructure. However, as the conflict extends into April 2026, the responses from these organizations reveal significant institutional limitations and conflicting priorities among member states. BRICS has remained silent, contrasting with its earlier condemnation of Israeli strikes in 2025, emphasizing its role as an economic forum rather than a military alliance. The 2024 expansion of BRICS, which included states with varying regional alignments, has made consensus difficult, particularly when a member like Iran is under attack. Individual reactions from member states like Russia and China have surfaced, but the internal divisions are evident. In contrast, the SCO has issued a statement expressing grave concern, aligning with its principles of promoting regional stability and sovereignty. However, like BRICS, it lacks the mechanisms for military support. This conflict illustrates the limitations of both organizations in active military crises, highlighting the need for them to evolve beyond symbolic actions to become effective in a multipolar world. The implications extend globally, affecting oil prices and raising concerns about inflation and recession, while questioning the ability of BRICS and SCO to provide a genuine alternative to the existing global order.
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The conflict has led to rising global oil prices, which may result in inflation and a potential worldwide recession. Supply chain disruptions are also a concern if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is affected.
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