Iran is seeking allies within the BRICS group as it faces increased tensions with Western powers over its nuclear program. The alliance of emerging economies will provide a counterweight to the United States and other Western nations during a two-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro starting Sunday.
Iran has confirmed participation in the summit, despite being isolated after 12 days of war with neighboring countries. BRICS members, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have expressed “grave concern” over the military strikes on Iran but stopped short of criticizing Israel or the US.
The group’s response highlights internal divisions, as some members see BRICS as a way to challenge Western influence, while others aim to maintain good relations with the US. Analysts predict that Iran will use the summit to shore up more forceful support from the group, particularly in a communiqué expected at the end of the meeting.
Iran’s delegation will participate in bilateral meetings with Russia and China, which are driving the BRICS agenda as a counterweight to Western dominance. However, Brazil is trying to maintain its neutrality, resisting pressure from Russia and China to position BRICS as an anti-Western alliance.
The summit comes at a time when divisions within BRICS have tested the group’s ambitions to rebalance global power dynamics. Analysts warn that internal conflicts may undermine the group’s efforts to forge a united front on key issues like Iran’s nuclear program.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/world/americas/iran-brics-summit-rio-de-janeiro.html