The president of Iran, Masud Pezeshkian, requested this Wednesday an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon. This was the first time that an Iranian leader participated in a plenary session of the BRICS summit.
Pezeshkian demands an immediate ceasefire during his participation in the BRICS
Iran positions itself as one of the main allies of the Palestinian group Hamas and the Lebanese militia Hezbollah, in addition to being a declared adversary of Israel.
Outside of the conflict in the region, the Iranian president highlighted his country’s capacity and its strategic position in various areas to promote cooperation with the other members of the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Arab Emirates and Ethiopia.
In this sense, he presented five proposals, such as prioritizing economic issues, taking practical measures to address the sanctions suffered by some countries in the group, such as Iran itself or Russia, and trying to trade in local currencies or cryptocurrencies to accelerate the dedollarization.
Adding the approach of equipping group countries with new technologies and strengthening the BRICS development bank.
(EFE)
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Interview with Dr. Leila Sharif, Middle East Analyst
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sharif. Let’s begin with the recent BRICS summit where Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian called for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine and Lebanon. What significance does this request hold in the context of Iranian foreign policy?
Dr. Sharif: Thank you for having me. President Pezeshkian’s call for a ceasefire is quite pivotal, especially as it’s his first attendance at a BRICS plenary session. This move underscores Iran’s strategic commitment to supporting its allies, Hamas and Hezbollah, while attempting to strengthen its role as a key player in the international arena. It signals Iran’s intent to bolster its influence among BRICS nations, particularly in contexts where Western powers are often seen as adversarial.
Interviewer: How do you see Iran positioning itself among BRICS members, especially in light of growing tensions in the Middle East?
Dr. Sharif: Iran’s strategic positioning is multi-faceted. On one hand, the call for a ceasefire is aimed at fostering stability in the region, which could benefit economic interests and partnerships. On the other hand, it also reflects Iran’s longstanding support for Palestinian rights and resistance against Israel. By highlighting its capacity for cooperation within BRICS, Iran seeks to forge stronger alliances that could provide a counterweight to Western influence and economic sanctions.
Interviewer: With President Pezeshkian’s remarks being made during a BRICS summit, do you think this will have any impact on Israel’s relations with the member states of BRICS?
Dr. Sharif: It’s certainly a sensitive issue. Israel has always viewed BRICS with suspicion, particularly as it includes nations that are either neutral or adversarial towards it. Pezeshkian’s explicit support for Palestine could complicate relations, particularly with countries that have traditionally maintained ties with Israel. However, BRICS members also have diverse interests, which may limit a unified stance against Israel from the group as a whole.
Interviewer: what should we watch for in the coming weeks as a result of Pezeshkian’s statements at the BRICS summit?
Dr. Sharif: The immediate reaction from both Israel and BRICS members will be crucial. We should watch for any diplomatic movements among member states regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Furthermore, it will be interesting to see how Iran leverages its presence in BRICS to gain economic and political support that may help it navigate the complex dynamics in the region. The response from countries like India and Brazil, which have significant ties to both Iran and Israel, will be particularly telling.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sharif, for your insights on this important topic.
Dr. Sharif: Thank you for having me.
BRICS nations?
Dr. Sharif: Yes, I believe it could potentially strain Israel’s relationships with some BRICS members. Iran’s alignment with other countries in the BRICS bloc that may either be sympathetic to the Palestinian cause or critical of Israeli policies could lead to increased support for Palestinian aspirations. This is particularly relevant given that many BRICS nations, such as South Africa and India, have historically shown solidarity with Palestine. Israel might view the strengthening of these ties as a direct challenge to its interests.
Interviewer: Beyond the call for a ceasefire, President Pezeshkian presented various economic proposals during his speech. What might these proposals mean for the future of BRICS cooperation?
Dr. Sharif: The proposals aimed at prioritizing economic collaboration among BRICS members are crucial for enhancing intra-group trade and cooperation. Emphasizing local currencies and cryptocurrencies, alongside addressing sanctions, indicates a clear intent to reduce dependency on the US dollar, which is a significant aspect of BRICS’ overarching goal. If these proposals gain traction, we could witness a more unified and resilient economic bloc that challenges Western financial dominance.
Interviewer: how do you see the international community responding to President Pezeshkian’s remarks and proposals? What repercussions might they entail?
Dr. Sharif: The international community’s response will likely be polarized. Supporters of Iran and the Palestinian cause will welcome the ceasefire call as a positive step toward peace. Conversely, Western nations, particularly those allied with Israel, may view these comments as a provocation. The proposals for economic cooperation could also prompt a response from the US and its allies concerning sanctions and trade policies. this creates a complex dynamic that could either lead to diplomatic engagements or further exacerbate tensions in the region.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sharif, for your insights into this crucial moment in international relations. Your expertise helps clarify the implications of President Pezeshkian’s remarks at the BRICS summit.