Brazil’s Lula Criticizes Middle East Wars as Based on “Questionable Pretexts”

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said several wars in the Middle East were driven by “false claims and pretexts,” according to international media reports. Speaking at the Progressive Mobilization summit, Lula pointed to the Iraq War, launched under George W. Bush over alleged weapons of mass destruction—claims later widely disputed. He also cited the 2011 military intervention in Libya as another example of a conflict justified by uncertain narratives. Lula expressed concern over current tensions in the Middle East, questioning the basis for any potential new conflicts, and emphasized the need for dialogue and efforts to avoid further military escalation.