Iran's BRICS Gamble Can New Allies Save It From Isolation?

An Isolated Iran Looks to BRICS for Allies, Testing a New World Order

In the wake of recent turmoil, having endured **12 days of war**, Iran finds itself in a precarious position in the Middle East. Largely isolated and weakened, the Islamic republic is now actively seeking to solidify alliances on the global stage. The upcoming BRICS summit offers a crucial opportunity for Tehran to demonstrate its international standing.

Beginning this Sunday in Rio de Janeiro, Iran will participate in the two-day BRICS meeting. This marks a significant moment for Iran, as a newcomer to the group, to showcase its network of powerful allies despite the numerous challenges it faces, including crippling sanctions and the ever-present threat of military action stemming from its nuclear program. The BRICS group, comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a substantial portion of the world's population and economic power, making this alliance particularly valuable for Iran.

The significance of Iran's BRICS membership can be summarized as follows:

• A platform for international legitimacy: BRICS provides Iran with a forum to engage with major global players and project an image of stability and cooperation.
• Economic opportunities: The alliance offers potential avenues for trade, investment, and economic diversification, mitigating the impact of sanctions.
• Geopolitical leverage: By aligning with BRICS, Iran can challenge the dominance of Western powers and promote a multipolar world order.

Following reported military strikes on Iran last month, allegedly by Israel and the United States, the BRICS group released a statement expressing “grave concern.” The statement further described the attacks as a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter, signaling a level of support for Iran's position. However, the alliance, while expressing concern, stopped short of directly condemning Israel or the United States, highlighting the delicate balancing act inherent in international diplomacy.

Key takeaways from BRICS' response:

• A clear indication of unease with unilateral military actions.
• Support for upholding international law and the UN Charter.
• A cautious approach to avoid escalating tensions and maintaining diplomatic options.

The BRICS alliance represents more than half of the world’s population, giving it significant global influence. Iran's participation in the summit is not just a symbolic gesture; it is a strategic move that could reshape the geopolitical landscape.

Ultimately, Iran's engagement with BRICS is a test of a new world order – one where emerging economies and non-Western powers play an increasingly prominent role. While challenges undoubtedly remain, this alliance presents a glimmer of hope for Iran, offering a pathway to navigate its isolation and reassert its position on the world stage. The Rio summit will be a crucial indicator of the potential – and the limitations – of this burgeoning partnership.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/world/americas/iran-brics-summit-rio-de-janeiro.html