The Islamic Republic’s Membership in BRICS: Constraints and Opportunities

The Islamic Republic’s Membership in BRICS: Constraints and Opportunities
Authors: Arezou Khordmandan, Bahram Yousefi, Rouhollah Shahabi, Shiva Jalalpour
Journal: Geography and Regional Planning (Joghrafia va Barname-rizi-ye Mantaghei)
Year: 10th year
Issue: 4 (No. 40)
Publication date: Autumn 1399 (2020)

Article introduction
This article examines the possibilities and challenges of Iran’s membership in BRICS. By analyzing the initial BRICS-Plus proposal and Iran’s readiness to join the group, the study identifies potential constraints and opportunities.
The findings show that although Iran was considered by some BRICS members—particularly China—for BRICS-Plus membership, this membership did not materialize for various reasons. The article stresses that, to benefit from national interests and strengthen economic cooperation with emerging powers, Iran must carefully analyze BRICS and its policies and engage with the group in line with its own capacities.