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.