Brazil’s Pro-Iran Policy: How Distant Does Lula Want Brazil From Washington’s Sphere?

Brazil under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is moving further from Washington’s orbit, and not just in the Middle East.

Official statements, diplomatic cables, and recent policy actions reveal a widening rift that reaches into trade, digital governance, and domestic politics.

Lula’s government has condemned Israeli and US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, calling them violations of international law and Iran’s sovereignty. Yet, when Iran launched missiles at Israel, Brazil avoided direct condemnation, instead urging restraint from both sides.

This selective criticism has drawn sharp responses from Jewish groups, Israeli officials, and members of Brazil’s own Congress. They argue that Brazil’s stance breaks with decades of pragmatic neutrality and risks closing doors to key markets and partners.

The policy shift is not limited to the Middle East. Lula’s foreign advisor, Celso Amorim, has long opposed US-led efforts to isolate Iran and has worked to shield Tehran from international sanctions.

Leaked diplomatic cables confirm that since 2005, Amorim maneuvered against US initiatives at the UN, including efforts to hold Iranian suspects accountable for the 1994 Buenos Aires terrorist attack.

These moves reflect a broader ideological realignment, with Brazil now more openly critical of the US and Israel while courting China and Russia. Tensions have also spilled into the digital realm.

In May 2025, Lula privately asked China’s Xi Jinping for help regulating social media, citing concerns over right-wing content and political polarization.

This request, revealed by delegation leaks, triggered alarm among lawmakers and business leaders who see it as a step toward Chinese-style censorship.

Brazil’s Congress has repeatedly failed to pass social media regulation bills, but the Supreme Court and executive branch have pursued investigations and temporary bans on platforms.

The opposition, aligned with former President Jair Bolsonaro, frames Lula’s approach as an authoritarian power grab that threatens free speech and innovation.

US-Brazil Tensions Rise Amid Geopolitical Shifts

The US-Brazil relationship faces further strain over the treatment of Trump allies and Bolsonaro supporters. After the January 2023 attack on Brazil’s Congress, social media played a key role in mobilizing protesters, with US figures like Steve Bannon amplifying claims of election fraud.

In response, Brazil’s Supreme Court and law enforcement have pursued investigations and prosecutions against Bolsonaro’s network, drawing criticism from US lawmakers.

Some in Congress have proposed visa bans for Brazilian officials accused of suppressing free expression, and the Organization of American States has launched inquiries into alleged political persecution.

Trade tensions add another layer. Trump’s tariffs on Brazilian steel have pushed Lula to deepen ties with China, signing dozens of investment deals and securing billions in new funding.

While China is now Brazil’s top trading partner, this pivot risks alienating the US and EU, both major buyers of Brazilian goods. Analysts warn that the loss of access to Western markets and advanced technology could hurt Brazil’s economy.

This comes at a time when inflation and a weak currency are already eroding domestic stability. Lula’s Brazil is betting on a new alignment, but the costs are mounting.

The government’s pro-Iran stance, pursuit of digital controls, and crackdown on political opposition have all fueled distrust with Washington. The real question is how far Lula is willing to go—and what Brazil stands to lose as it drifts from America’s heart.