Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who visited India to attend the BRICS summit—a grouping of non-Western emerging economies led by China and Russia—targeted the United States, stating that the Middle East has no need for a "police" role.

Local time on the 12th, AFP and other news outlets reported that ahead of the BRICS summit opening that day in New Delhi, the capital of India, President Pezeshkian stated during a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, "We do not need a regional police officer."

This is interpreted as a remark directed at the United States, which is currently at war with Iran.

President Pezeshkian stated, "The territorial integrity and security of this region (the Middle East) can only be guaranteed by the main parties and the countries that make up this region."

Iran has been at war with the United States for over six months, following the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February due to airstrikes by the United States and Israel.

President Pezeshkian added, "Despite all the unfair circumstances our people have suffered, we neither want war nor desire its continuation," emphasizing that "peace remains our top priority."

Earlier, in a speech addressing religious leaders and business figures in New Delhi, he also stressed that "the Iranian people will not surrender" (to the U.S.).

Four sources told Reuters that day that BRICS member nations have agreed on a joint declaration.

The declaration reportedly does not specify a particular country, but will contain content condemning unilateral warfare by any nation.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)