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Is Iran In BRICS? Unpacking Its New Global Role

Ms. Haylie Bechtelar

The question, "Is Iran in BRICS?" has become increasingly relevant in global political and economic discourse. The answer, definitively, is yes. Iran officially joined the BRICS alliance in January 2024, marking a significant milestone in its foreign policy and economic strategy. This inclusion signals a pivotal shift, not just for Tehran, but for the evolving dynamics of international relations, further solidifying the growing geopolitical paradigm of a multipolar world.

This development is more than just a membership change; it represents a strategic realignment for Iran, offering novel prospects for its foreign policy and economic strategy. For a nation that has long navigated the complexities of international sanctions and geopolitical isolation, joining a bloc of major emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa presents both immense opportunities and unique challenges. As BRICS continues its expansion, aiming to give emerging nations more influence in world affairs, Iran's entry is a testament to the bloc's commitment to diversification and its ambition to provide a counterbalance to Western dominance.

Table of Contents

The BRICS Expansion: A New Global Order

The BRICS group, originally comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has long been recognized as a significant force representing the interests of emerging economies. Its primary objective is to foster greater influence for these nations in global affairs, challenging the traditional unipolar world order dominated by Western powers. The very notion of BRICS was born from the idea that these rapidly developing economies should have a stronger collective voice on the international stage, particularly concerning economic governance and development. This ambition for greater influence has naturally led to discussions about expansion. For years, various countries expressed interest in joining the bloc, seeing it as a platform for economic cooperation and geopolitical leverage. The 15th BRICS summit, held in Cape Town, South Africa, on June 2, 2023, was a landmark event that set the stage for this significant expansion. Foreign ministers of BRICS nations, alongside representatives from Africa and the Global South, gathered to discuss the future trajectory of the alliance, with membership expansion being a central theme.

From BRICS to BRICS+: The Invitation

During the 2023 summit, a clear message emerged: BRICS was ready to grow. South African Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana explicitly stated that "there is a second batch of countries that are going to be added [to] BRICS. This means that there are plans for" further expansion. This announcement signaled a strategic move to broaden the bloc's reach and strengthen its collective power. While Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates were among 22 countries applying for membership, they were not immediately admitted during the 15th BRICS summit itself. However, the groundwork was laid, and the invitations were soon to follow. The decision to expand was driven by a desire to enhance the bloc's economic weight and geopolitical footprint. By inviting more emerging nations, BRICS aims to amplify its voice on issues ranging from trade and finance to climate change and international security. The inclusion of new members is seen as a way to diversify the bloc's economic base, increase its collective GDP, and strengthen its bargaining power in global institutions.

The New Members: Who Joined When?

The official invitation to new members was extended shortly after the 15th summit. Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia were among six nations invited on Thursday, August 24, 2023, to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies. These nations were set to enter BRICS from January 2024. This marked a historic moment, transforming the original BRICS into a significantly larger and more diverse alliance. Specifically, Iran is among the four countries that officially joined the BRICS alliance in January 2024. The other three nations that joined BRICS alongside Iran are the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Ethiopia. This expansion underscores the bloc's commitment to becoming a more inclusive and representative platform for the Global South. The addition of these countries, particularly those from the Middle East and Africa, significantly broadens BRICS's geographical and economic scope.

Iran's Path to BRICS Membership

Iran's journey to BRICS membership has been a strategic and persistent endeavor. For years, Tehran has expressed keen interest in joining the group, viewing it as a crucial component of its "look to the east" policy. This policy aims to pivot Iran's foreign relations and economic partnerships away from Western influence and towards rising powers in Asia and other parts of the Global South. Iran, which holds the world's second-largest gas reserves, had formally applied to join the BRICS group, a move that Beijing and Moscow enthusiastically supported, casting it as a powerful emerging alliance. The application reflected Iran's desire to break free from the economic isolation imposed by Western sanctions and to find new avenues for trade, investment, and financial cooperation. The BRICS platform offered a promising alternative, providing access to vast markets and a framework for bypassing traditional Western-dominated financial systems. Iran's consistent engagement with BRICS member states, particularly Russia and China, played a significant role in paving its way to full membership. The country's diplomatic efforts culminated in the invitation and subsequent official entry in January 2024, solidifying its place within this influential economic bloc.

Why BRICS Matters to Iran: Economic and Geopolitical Imperatives

For Iran, membership in BRICS is not merely symbolic; it carries profound economic and geopolitical implications. It represents a strategic move to reshape its international standing and bolster its resilience against external pressures. The "look to the east" policy, which has guided Iran's foreign policy for some time, finds a powerful embodiment in its BRICS membership. Iran will likely use the BRICS summit, and its newfound status, as an opportunity to pursue more trade and financial partnerships with its allies. One of the most pressing reasons for Iran's interest in BRICS is its ongoing struggle with international sanctions. By forging alliances with fellow BRICS members and other strategic partners, Iran seeks to navigate the challenges posed by these sanctions, diversify its economy, and reinforce its geopolitical influence. The bloc offers a potential pathway to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, a topic frequently discussed within BRICS circles as they explore an alternative reserve currency. This could provide Iran with a more stable and resilient financial framework, less susceptible to unilateral sanctions. Davood Manzoor, head of Iran’s Plan and Budget Organization, highlighted the existing challenges on August 27, stating, "in the field of oil, efforts were made to reduce problems and increase oil sales, but there are still problems in the field of currency returning [into the country]." Iran's membership in BRICS is anticipated to help address these issues, potentially by facilitating trade in local currencies or through alternative payment mechanisms. The ability to conduct transactions outside the SWIFT system, for instance, could significantly ease the burden of sanctions on Iran's economy.

Boosting Trade and Energy Partnerships

Iran's inclusion in the BRICS bloc and its strategic economic partnerships mark a new chapter in its global economic engagement. The country possesses vast energy resources, holding the world's second-largest gas reserves. With Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE as members, BRICS countries collectively produce about 44% of the world's crude oil. This significant share underscores the bloc's growing influence in global energy markets and presents Iran with a robust platform for energy cooperation. Pezeshkian’s goal, as a potential future leader, will be to attract domestic investment and secure technology transfers to address Iran’s energy shortages and boost production in key sectors. BRICS membership can facilitate these objectives by opening doors to investments from China and India, two of the world's largest energy consumers, and by enabling technology sharing among member states. For Iran, this matters because it provides a direct channel to engage with major economies that are actively seeking new energy sources and investment opportunities, thereby strengthening its economic ties and ensuring stable markets for its vast oil and gas reserves.

Iran's Economic Potential Within BRICS

Iran's economic potential within BRICS is substantial. As a country rich in natural resources and with a significant industrial base, it brings unique contributions to the bloc. Abolfazl Amoee, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, believes Iran’s accession to BRICS benefits all parties, boosting both Iran and the multilateral organization’s influence in the international arena. As he tells The Cradle, Iran's inclusion adds depth and diversity to the bloc's economic profile. Beyond oil and gas, Iran has a diversified economy with sectors like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Its strategic geographical location, serving as a bridge between the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe, offers significant transit potential. Membership in BRICS can unlock new trade routes and logistics corridors, enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic integration among member states. This could lead to increased foreign direct investment, technology transfer, and job creation within Iran, contributing to its long-term economic stability and growth. The synergy between Iran's resources and the industrial and technological capabilities of other BRICS members like China and India holds immense promise for mutual benefit.

BRICS and the Multipolar World: A Counterbalance to Western Influence

The expansion of BRICS, particularly with the inclusion of Iran, is a powerful indicator of the shift towards a multipolar world. In this evolving global landscape, nations like Russia, China, Iran, and India endeavor to provide a counterbalance to Western dominance. The position of BRICS in a multipolar world and an alternative reserve currency to the dollar were the most discussed topics at recent summits, highlighting the bloc's ambition to create a more balanced and equitable international system. Iran’s membership in BRICS could shape novel prospects for Tehran’s foreign policy and economic strategy, solidifying this growing geopolitical paradigm. It allows Iran to align itself more closely with countries that share a similar vision of a world where power is distributed among multiple centers, rather than concentrated in a single hegemonic power. This alignment provides Iran with a stronger collective voice on global issues, enabling it to advocate for its interests more effectively and challenge unilateral actions by Western powers. The belief in a multipolar world is not misplaced; it is a tangible shift being actively pursued by BRICS and its new members. Furthermore, the inclusion of Iran alongside Saudi Arabia and the UAE in BRICS creates an interesting dynamic within the Middle East. Thus, Iran is on its way to meet Saudi Arabia within a multilateral framework, potentially fostering greater regional stability and cooperation among historical rivals. This internal dynamic within BRICS itself can have far-reaching implications for regional security and economic integration, reducing reliance on external powers for conflict resolution and promoting self-reliance within the Global South.

Challenges and Opportunities for Iran in BRICS

While Iran's BRICS membership opens up a plethora of opportunities, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating the complexities of a diverse bloc, managing internal economic issues, and dealing with ongoing geopolitical tensions will be crucial for Tehran to fully leverage its new status. One significant challenge for Iran, despite its recent BRICS membership, is its continued isolation in facing military escalation. The conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies, with unprecedented military strikes on both sides. Russia, a key BRICS member, condemns Israel but refuses any military support to Tehran, citing a partnership without a mutual defense clause. This highlights that while BRICS offers economic and political solidarity, it is not a military alliance, and members retain their sovereign foreign policy decisions, even on critical security matters. This means Iran cannot expect collective military backing from BRICS in regional conflicts, emphasizing the need for continued independent diplomatic and defense strategies.

Geopolitical Tensions and Regional Conflicts

Iran's geopolitical landscape remains fraught with tension, particularly with the ongoing conflict with Israel and broader regional instability. While BRICS provides a platform for economic cooperation, it does not inherently resolve these deep-seated geopolitical issues. Iran will need to carefully balance its engagement with BRICS economic objectives with its national security concerns. The bloc's non-military nature means that Iran will still largely find itself alone facing military escalations, as demonstrated by Russia's stance during the recent Iran-Israel conflict. This underscores that BRICS is primarily an economic and political forum, not a collective security organization. Furthermore, integrating into the BRICS economic framework while under various sanctions will require innovative financial mechanisms and strong political will from all member states. The "problems in the field of currency returning [into the country]" that Davood Manzoor mentioned earlier will need to be handled effectively once Iran’s membership in BRICS is finalized. This could involve developing new payment systems, increasing bilateral trade in local currencies, and finding ways to circumvent financial blockades. Success in this area will be a key test of the practical benefits of BRICS membership for Iran.

The Future of Iran's Role in BRICS

Iran's participation in BRICS is still in its nascent stages, but its future role within the bloc appears promising and multifaceted. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to attend upcoming BRICS summits, signaling Tehran's commitment to active engagement and integration. This high-level participation is crucial for building trust, fostering deeper economic ties, and aligning strategic objectives with other member states. The country's "look to the east" policy will continue to guide its approach within BRICS, prioritizing partnerships that support its economic development and geopolitical aspirations. Iran's vast energy reserves and strategic location will undoubtedly make it a key player in discussions related to energy security and trade routes within the expanded BRICS framework. As the bloc continues to evolve, potentially inviting more members, Iran's experience as a new entrant and its unique geopolitical position will likely shape future discussions on expansion and the bloc's overall direction. The long-term success of Iran's BRICS membership will depend on its ability to translate political solidarity into tangible economic benefits and to navigate the complex interplay of global and regional dynamics.

Conclusion: Iran's Evolving Global Stance

In conclusion, the answer to "Is Iran in BRICS?" is a definitive yes, and this membership marks a transformative moment for the nation. Iran officially joined the BRICS alliance in January 2024, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia, signifying a pivotal shift in its foreign policy and economic strategy. This move aligns perfectly with Iran's "look to the east" policy, aiming to diversify its economic partnerships and reduce its reliance on Western-dominated systems, particularly in the face of persistent sanctions. Iran's inclusion brings significant economic potential to the BRICS bloc, especially given its vast oil and gas reserves, contributing to nearly half of the world's crude oil production among the expanded BRICS members. This strategic alignment offers Iran new avenues for trade, investment, and technology transfer, crucial for addressing its energy needs and boosting key sectors. Furthermore, Iran's membership strengthens the BRICS vision of a multipolar world, providing a counterbalance to traditional Western influence and fostering greater cooperation among emerging economies. While challenges remain, particularly in navigating geopolitical tensions and economic hurdles, Iran's active participation in BRICS is poised to reshape its global economic engagement and reinforce its geopolitical standing. What are your thoughts on Iran's entry into BRICS and its potential impact on global dynamics? Share your insights in the comments below, and don't forget to explore our other articles on the evolving international landscape and the rise of new economic powers. Iran Wants To Negotiate After Crippling Israeli Strikes | The Daily Caller

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