Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the U.S. as an "imperial power in decline" during a BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi [1, 2].
The speech underscores Iran's effort to align with non-Western powers to counter U.S. influence while attempting to project a posture of defensive stability.
Araghchi said at the meeting that Iran is "unbreakable" and will not bow to an "imperial power in decline wanting to turn back the clock" [1]. He framed Iran's ongoing struggles as a defense of all nations, suggesting that the country's resistance to Western pressure serves a broader global interest [1, 2].
Despite the sharp rhetoric toward the U.S., the foreign minister emphasized that Iran does not seek military conflict. He said the people of Iran "do not want war" [1]. This statement aimed to balance the narrative of national strength with a public commitment to diplomatic solutions [1, 2].
Araghchi's presence at the BRICS gathering in India highlights the strategic shift of Tehran toward the Global South. By articulating a stance against perceived aggression in New Delhi, Iran seeks to solidify its partnerships within the bloc to mitigate the impact of international isolation [1, 2].
The minister said that Iran's battle is a defense of all, while maintaining that the nation remains committed to the path of diplomacy to resolve outstanding disputes [1, 2].
“Iran is "unbreakable" and will not bow to an "imperial power in decline wanting to turn back the clock".”
Araghchi's rhetoric reflects a dual-track strategy: using the BRICS platform to challenge U.S. hegemony while simultaneously signaling that Iran is not seeking a direct war. By framing its national security as a global defense, Iran is attempting to legitimize its regional activities to other emerging economies.
