Iran’s president to attend BRICS summit in Russia

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, from October 22-24. This visit is significant as it occurs amidst escalating military collaboration between Iran and Russia, which has raised concerns in the West. Tehran's ambassador in Moscow, Kazem Jalali, confirmed that Pezeshkian will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit, where they may sign a bilateral cooperation agreement. The backdrop of this summit is marked by recent revelations from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who stated that Russia has acquired ballistic missiles from Iran, potentially to be deployed in Ukraine soon. This development has heightened tensions, prompting the U.S. and its allies, including Germany, Britain, and France, to impose new sanctions on Iran, targeting its national airline, Iran Air. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied the delivery of ballistic missiles to Russia, arguing that the sanctions imposed are ineffective solutions to the ongoing issues. The deepening ties between Tehran and Moscow are viewed as a significant threat to European security, reflecting a shift in geopolitical dynamics that could have far-reaching implications. As the BRICS summit approaches, the focus will be on how these nations navigate their relationships amid increasing scrutiny from Western powers. The outcomes of the meetings between Pezeshkian and Putin could further solidify military and economic partnerships, potentially altering the balance of power in the region.