Iran Joins BRICS As New Member

The Iranian President's Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs, Mohammad Jamshidi, confirmed Tehran’s official full membership in the BRICS group of emerging economies.

The debate over expanding the BRICS bloc has topped the agenda at a three-day summit in South Afrtica's Johannesburg ending on Thursday.

Iran’s full membership in BRICS is a “historic development” and a “strategic success” for the foreign policy of Tehran, he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Felicitations to the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei] and the great nation of Iran,” the official added.

Addressing the "Friends of BRICS" summit in Johannesburg on Thursday, President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi touched on the BRICS's decision to admit new members to the bloc, stressing that the move will pave the way for global development on the basis of justice.

“The benefits of the Islamic Republic of Iran's membership in BRICS will be surely historic. It will open up a new chapter and constitute a new step in the direction of promoting justice, equality, ethics and sustainable peace worldwide,” He said.

Iran's president emphasized that maximum interaction and promotion of multilateral cooperation mechanisms, especially with independent and developing countries, is at the core of Iran’s foreign policy.

“Due to its unique transit location, extensive energy resources as well as high levels of expertise in various fields, namely industrial production as well as nano and medical technologies, we declare our readiness for cooperation, joint economic projects and investment with BRICS member states,” the president added.

Hegemony, injustice, discrimination and moral decadence have put the world in a difficult and complicated situation, he continued. 

“The emergence and spread of problems such as hunger and climate change, lack of access to healthcare and medical services, cyber insecurity along with threats to cultures, values and identities are among the challenges that require efforts and convergence in order to deepen the discourse of justice, and found a just system on the basis of common interests,” Rayeesi stated.

He went on to describe BRICS as a symbol of change and transformation in global relations, which can help solve the problems of the international community, especially as the global confidence in its efficacy is increasing.

Iran's president stressed Tehran firmly supports the successful efforts of BRICS to reduce reliance on the US dollar, use national currencies as well as its mechanisms for payment and financial settlement.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday six nations will become full-fledged members of the BRICS group of nations starting January 2024, after their candidacies were approved by leaders of the current member states. 

Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were welcomed as new members. The bloc currently consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

BRICS previously expanded only once in 2010, when South Africa joined the organization. The admission was made without any prerequisites. One of the key goals of this year’s summit was to agree to more formal criteria for new candidates.

The administration of President Seyed Ebrahim Rayeesi has since taking office been trying to tap into the potential of the regional, economic, political and security alliances, which can further secure Iran’s national interest within the framework of multilateralism.

BRICS countries currently account for 40% of the world’s population and almost a third of the global economy.

The group touts itself as an alternative to Western-dominated international institutions, stressing that its approach better reflects the emerging multipolar world. As Western influence dwindled, its leaders leveraged tools under their control, such as the dollar, to protect its hegemonic position, BRICS members state. Participants of the summit expressed confidence that the organization’s influence will continue to grow.