Iran and the United Arab Emirates backed a joint BRICS statement on Saturday that urged maximum restraint amid the six-month-old Middle East war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The New Delhi Declaration, adopted by consensus on the first day of the BRICS leaders' summit in India, expressed deep concern over continued escalation in the region. It called for the protection of civilians, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and safeguards for global trade, supply chains, energy flows, and maritime security.

The statement avoided naming any specific countries or actions, allowing both Iran and the UAE to sign despite their differences. Iran has conducted missile and drone strikes on UAE territory, including attacks on bases housing U.S. forces, while framing its responses as self-defense against U.S. and Israeli operations.

On the sidelines of the summit, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks with UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The leaders discussed regional issues, de-escalation, and efforts to promote stability and development, according to UAE officials.

This marked the highest-level contact between the two countries since the conflict began in February. Previous BRICS foreign ministers' meetings had struggled to reach consensus due to tensions between Tehran and Abu Dhabi.

The BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE, used the platform to highlight multilateral approaches to the conflict. The declaration also voiced concerns over unilateral trade measures.

Host India played a key role in bridging divisions through extended negotiations. The outcome demonstrated the grouping's ability to forge agreement among members with sharply divergent interests on the ongoing war.