In a recent statement, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that the BRICS summit he attended would signal the decline of American dominance globally. Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Pezeshkian suggested that the decisions made at the Kazan summit would work to “gradually thwart the conspiracy of the U.S. and its allies.” However, this perspective sharply contrasts with the sentiments expressed by leaders from other BRICS nations, who emphasize that the group’s purpose is to amplify the voices of the “Global South” without undermining the interests of the United States or the Western world at large.
BRICS, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is an influential economic and geopolitical coalition striving to challenge the post-World War II political framework. During the recent summit held in Kazan, Russia, President Vladimir Putin aimed to project an image of unity and strength, despite facing significant Western sanctions and international criticism for the war in Ukraine. In addition to its core members, BRICS has expanded its membership to include Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Ethiopia since January, with Saudi Arabia also extended an invitation, which remains unaccepted.
At the summit, various topics were anticipated for discussion, including the potential induction of additional new members, developing a sanctions-resistant international payment system, and condemning Israel for its actions against Iran-backed groups. The final Kazan Declaration criticized the use of sanctions while failing to establish a new payment system. Despite the anti-Western leanings of the bloc’s rhetoric, some members maintain strong ties with the U.S., rejecting the notion that BRICS operates solely in opposition to Western interests. Pezeshkian’s remarks, however, seemed to contradict this narrative, indicating a focus on destabilizing the current global order.
Pezeshkian reiterated his anti-American stance during his address at the summit, asserting that BRICS seeks to challenge U.S. unilateralism exacerbated by the dominance of the dollar and the resulting sanctions. He condemned the impact of U.S. financial policies on independent nations and expressed optimism that implementing BRICS’s objectives could gradually diminish U.S. influence. Throughout the summit, he positioned BRICS as a pathway out of what he described as U.S. totalitarianism, advocating for greater fairness and justice in international affairs.
In contrast to Pezeshkian’s rhetoric, prominent figures from influential BRICS nations, such as Russia and India, positioned the organization as non-hostile toward the West. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, identified as a “BRICS sherpa,” clarified that the bloc is not aimed at actively undermining Western interests and is open to cooperation with Western nations. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the anti-American imagery surrounding BRICS, asserting the need for the alliance to communicate its mission as one that serves global interests rather than as a divisive entity.
Additionally, Chinese state media have attempted to refute the characterization of BRICS as an anti-Western coalition, working to reshape the group’s image in a more cooperative light. While no Western countries are currently members of BRICS, France’s unsuccessful attempt to participate in the 2023 summit highlighted the wariness surrounding Western engagement. Overall, the ongoing divergence in rhetoric between Iranian officials and other BRICS leaders indicates a complex balancing act within the coalition, as they navigate their aspirations for influence in the global arena while managing relationships with Western powers.