Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called on global powers to take urgent action to end ongoing conflicts, warning that the world is growing exhausted by what he described as “war madness”, according to Anadolu.
Speaking in Barcelona on Saturday, Lula addressed the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, the United States, China, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom, urging them to fulfill their responsibility to maintain international peace.
“The world can no longer bear it,” Lula said, calling on leaders to come together and act decisively to stop wars, particularly in the Middle East.
He pointed to a past diplomatic effort as an example of missed opportunity. Lula recalled a 2010 initiative involving Brazil, India, and Türkiye aimed at limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment. He said the agreement was rejected by the United States and the European Union, despite its goal of easing tensions.
Lula also criticised renewed claims that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, referencing them as part of the justification for the war on Iran launched earlier this year with Israel.
Beyond global conflicts, Lula warned about the growing influence of far-right movements, especially online. He said these groups spread misinformation and fear, and called on democratic voices to respond actively and responsibly in digital spaces.
Later, at the Democracy Defense Summit in Barcelona, Lula turned his attention to U.S. policy toward Cuba. He urged Washington to end its long-standing economic embargo, which has been in place for decades.
“Allow the Cuban people to live their lives in peace,” Lula said, arguing that the sanctions have failed to bring meaningful change. He added that while Cuba faces challenges, they should be addressed internally rather than through external pressure.
Lula said the Cuban people have endured years of hardship and are still waiting for relief, calling on the international community to give them “room to breathe.”
