Interview of a Russian Blogger with Mohammad Marandi about the Importance of Iran’s Membership in BRICS
Lena Petrova, a Russian blogger specializing in financial, economic, and geopolitical issues, interviewed Mohammad Marandi, a full professor of English literature at the University of Tehran.
Table of Contents
In this interview, Marandi addresses the importance of Iran’s membership in BRICS+ and its impacts on Iran’s economy in response to Petrova’s questions. The discussion also analyzes the factors influencing various countries’ creation of alternative trade mechanisms, the United States’ role in undermining its financial hegemony, and the relationships among BRICS+ member countries. Finally, Iran’s efforts to expand relations with Global South countries and the impact of economic sanctions on these relations are examined.
In another part of the interview, Marandi provides a more detailed analysis of the benefits and challenges of Iran’s membership in BRICS. He believes that this membership can help strengthen Iran’s relations with member countries and reduce dependence on Western economies.
Marandi also emphasizes the importance of building stronger economic ties with China and Russia, stating that such cooperation can help develop Iran’s industries and infrastructure.
He believes that Iran can strengthen its scientific and industrial capacities through scientific and technological collaboration with BRICS countries and achieve significant advancements.
However, before diving into the interview, let’s explore the prospect of Iran’s existence as a developing country within the BRICS Union.
Iran’s Membership in BRICS
Iran officially became a member of BRICS in 2023, marking a significant milestone in international relations. This membership provides Iran with new avenues for economic cooperation, trade, and investment. Given Iran’s vast oil and gas reserves, its integration into BRICS could contribute to the energy security of its member countries. This collaboration is expected to help Iran face global economic challenges, particularly international sanctions.
Iran possesses the second-largest natural gas reserves and the fourth-largest crude oil reserves globally. These abundant energy resources could play a vital role in meeting the energy needs of BRICS countries. Additionally, Iran’s geographic location at the crossroads of major trade routes could enhance international trade networks. Membership in BRICS also offers Iran an opportunity to strengthen its industrial and scientific capacities by exchanging knowledge and technology with member countries.
Future Prospects
With Iran’s accession to BRICS, several potential advantages and challenges lie ahead. Economically, Iran can benefit from BRICS in accessing markets, financial resources, and technological advancements. Politically, this membership allows Iran to amplify its voice in global forums and advocate for a multipolar world order.
Iran’s membership in BRICS could serve as an opportunity to reduce dependence on oil and gas exports and develop other sectors of the economy, such as industry, agriculture, and services. However, aligning with other BRICS member countries’ economic policies and geopolitical interests may present certain challenges.
At the same time, Iran can capitalize on the experiences and expertise of BRICS countries in fields such as information technology, medicine, and education. However, effective cooperation with other BRICS members will require strong diplomatic interactions and intelligent management.
Questions and Answers between Petrova and Marandi about Iran’s Membership in BRICS:
Petrova: What is the significance of Iran’s membership in BRICS+ for its economy?
Marandi: Iran’s membership in BRICS+ means expanding economic relations with most of the world, which can help reduce the impact of Western economic sanctions and improve Iran’s economic situation. This membership also allows Iran to trade through alternative financial systems without relying on the U.S. dollar and Western financial institutions.
This enables Iran to strengthen its economic relations with many BRICS+ member countries, particularly China and Russia, and take advantage of new commercial and investment opportunities.
Petrova: What factors have led countries around the world to seek alternative trade mechanisms?
Marandi: The severe sanctions policies of the United States and its allies, including the confiscation of assets from various countries and crippling sanctions, have created a strong incentive for countries to develop alternative trade mechanisms and new financial institutions. This is particularly important for countries that wish to trade with Iran, Russia, and China.
On the other hand, increasing dissatisfaction with the U.S.-led financial system and concerns about the dollar’s instrumental use in international disputes have led countries to seek alternative systems that can provide greater security for international trade.
Petrova: What is the role of the United States in weakening its own financial hegemony?
Marandi: The United States, through sanctions and asset seizures, has effectively weakened its own financial hegemony. These actions have led countries to seek alternatives to the U.S.-controlled financial system and conduct trade without relying on the U.S. dollar.
This process gradually undermines the dollar’s position as the international reserve currency and opens the door for alternative currencies to emerge. Additionally, the growing number of countries seeking to create independent financial and trade mechanisms can reduce the U.S. economic and political influence on the global stage.
Petrova: How are relations between BRICS+ member countries strengthened?
Marandi: Countries like China, Russia, Iran, and other BRICS+ members, with their vast resources and motivated workforce, collaborate through new trade and financial mechanisms. These collaborations include coordinating oil and gas exports and using currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Moreover, regular meetings between the leaders of these countries and the establishment of joint financial institutions, such as the New Development Bank of BRICS, further strengthen their relations. Additionally, these countries are pursuing more coordinated trade and economic policies through bilateral and multilateral agreements, which enhance their economic and political cooperation.
Petrova: How have U.S. sanctions affected Iran’s relations with other countries?
Marandi: U.S. sanctions have pushed Iran to seek closer relations with countries in the Global South. These countries, due to their shared experience with sanctions, are inclined to collaborate and use alternative financial and trade systems.
Sanctions have also forced Iran to look for creative solutions for its trade and financial exchanges, such as using local currencies and establishing alternative trade networks. This process has, in turn, strengthened Iran’s relations with countries like China, India, Russia, and various African nations, which are also seeking to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar and Western financial systems.
Petrova: What is the importance of organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and BRICS+ for Iran?
Marandi: Organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS+ allow Iran to engage more with countries in the Global South and expand its economic and political relations. These organizations also help Iran better understand the policies and priorities of other countries and benefit from alternative trade and financial mechanisms.
Membership in these organizations also helps Iran gain more international support in the face of economic sanctions and access new markets. Furthermore, these organizations provide a platform for the exchange of experiences and technical knowledge between member countries, which could help in Iran’s development and economic advancement.
Petrova: What are Iran’s main goals as a BRICS+ member?
Marandi: Iran’s main goals include expanding trade, bypassing the U.S. dollar and Western financial institutions, and creating better trade systems. Iran is also seeking to improve relations with countries in the Global South and take advantage of their untapped potential.
In addition, Iran hopes that its membership in BRICS+ will help stabilize its position in the region and the world and benefit from the political and economic support of member countries in the face of international challenges. Another important goal for Iran is to attract foreign investment and transfer advanced technologies from BRICS+ member countries to Iran, which can contribute to sustainable economic growth and development.
Petrova: What impact do the meetings of BRICS+ leaders have on international relations?
Marandi: Meetings between the leaders of BRICS+ countries provide dialogue and mutual understanding opportunities, which help improve relations and coordination between these countries. These meetings also change perceptions and increase understanding of each country’s position.
These regular interactions allow leaders to discuss common issues and global challenges and devise joint solutions to problems. Moreover, these meetings help strengthen economic, political, and cultural cooperation among BRICS+ members and could create a united front against Western influence and hegemony.
Petrova: What is the current state of Iran’s relations with other Global South countries?
Marandi: Iran has made significant efforts to expand relations with Global South countries in recent years. The president’s trips to Africa, Latin America, Asia, and other regions highlight these relations as a high priority in Iran’s foreign policy. These relations include trade agreements, joint investments, and economic and technical cooperation, which can help improve Iran’s economic situation.
Furthermore, due to their shared experiences in facing economic and political challenges, these countries are more inclined to cooperate with Iran. Overall, Iran’s relations with Global South countries are on the rise, and these countries are considered strategic partners for Iran.
Petrova: With the change in Iran’s president, should we expect changes in economic and trade policies?
Marandi: While each president has their own style, there seems to be a strong element of continuity in Iran’s foreign policy. The policy of strengthening relations with the Global South and efforts to bypass economic sanctions will likely continue.
This continuity is due to Iran’s fundamental need to expand economic and trade relations with non-Western countries, which can help reduce dependence on financial and trade systems controlled by the United States. Moreover, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s overall policies in dealing with sanctions and enhancing economic independence will likely not undergo significant changes.
Final Word
Iran’s membership in BRICS+ and its efforts to expand relations with Global South countries signify a strategic shift in its foreign and economic policy. Given the severe economic sanctions imposed by the West, Iran is seeking alternatives to the U.S.-controlled financial system. Iran hopes to reduce its dependence on the U.S. dollar through engagement with organizations like BRICS+ and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
