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Iran looks to join BRICS bank as war with U.S. drags on

Iran is set to join the BRICS New Development Bank, the country's central bank chief said Thursday, as Tehran seeks to shore up its economic alliances almost six months into its war with the U.S. and Israel.

By Abdolnasser Hemmati, governor of the Central Bank of Iran·Aug 13·cnbc.com·3 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

Iran looks to join BRICS bank as war with U.S. drags on
Image: cnbc.com

Iran's central bank chief announced the country's intention to join the BRICS New Development Bank, seeking to establish bilateral and trilateral monetary cooperation with member states. This move comes as the war with the U.S. and Israel has further ramped up the pressure on the Iranian economy.

Why it matters

Iran's potential membership in the BRICS bank could have significant implications for the country's economic alliances and its ability to access international capital.

Iran is trying to join a group of countries called BRICS to help its economy. This group has money to help countries build things like roads and houses. Iran wants to use this money to help its economy, which is struggling because of a war with the U.S. and Israel.

Analysis

BRICS Bank Membership: A Lifeline for Iran's Economy?

Iran's decision to join the BRICS New Development Bank is a strategic move to shore up its economic alliances and access international capital. The war with the U.S. and Israel has severely constrained Iran's access to Western financial institutions and markets, making it increasingly reliant on non-Western partners. By joining the BRICS bank, Iran aims to tap into the collective resources of its member states and participate in infrastructure and sustainable development projects.

The BRICS bank was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to help mobilize resources for emerging markets and developing countries. Its membership is open to borrowing and non-borrowing member countries of the United Nations. Iran would have to move through the NDB's accession process before it can become an official member country.

Joining the bank would make Iran eligible to seek financing for projects in areas such as transport, sanitation, digital infrastructure, and urban development. This could be a lifeline for Iran's economy, which has been severely impacted by the war with the U.S. and Israel. Inflation has surged, growth has plummeted, and the currency has been in free fall.

However, Iran's membership in the BRICS bank is not without its challenges. The country would have to navigate the accession process, which could be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, the U.S. has threatened to slap 25% tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from any country that directly or indirectly purchases goods or services from Iran.

Implications for the U.S.-Iran Conflict

Iran's decision to join the BRICS bank has significant implications for the U.S.-Iran conflict. The U.S. has long been critical of the BRICS bank, viewing it as a challenge to its economic dominance. The U.S. has also imposed severe sanctions on Iran, which has severely constrained its access to international capital.

By joining the BRICS bank, Iran is effectively bypassing the U.S. and seeking to establish economic alliances with non-Western partners. This could be a significant blow to the U.S. efforts to isolate Iran economically.

Conclusion

Iran's decision to join the BRICS bank is a strategic move to shore up its economic alliances and access international capital. The implications of this move are significant, both for Iran's economy and for the U.S.-Iran conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the BRICS bank responds to Iran's membership bid.

Key points

  • Iran is set to join the BRICS New Development Bank, the country's central bank chief said Thursday.
  • Iran would have to move through the NDB's accession process before it can become an official member country.
  • Joining the bank would make Iran eligible to seek financing for projects in areas such as transport, sanitation, digital infrastructure, and urban development.
  • The war with the U.S. and Israel has severely constrained Iran's access to Western financial institutions and markets.
  • Iran's membership in the BRICS bank is not without its challenges, including the U.S. threat to slap 25% tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from any country that directly or indirectly purchases goods or services from Iran.
The Upside

If Iran's membership in the BRICS bank is successful, it could provide a much-needed lifeline for the country's economy. The BRICS bank's resources could help Iran build infrastructure and develop its economy, potentially leading to improved living standards and economic growth.

The Downside

However, Iran's membership in the BRICS bank is not without its challenges. The country would have to navigate the accession process, which could be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, the U.S. has threatened to slap 25% tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from any country that directly or indirectly purchases goods or services from Iran, which could impact Iran's ability to access the BRICS bank's resources.

Originally reported at

cnbc.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsiranbricseconomywarusisraelsanctionsfinance

Author

Abdolnasser Hemmati, governor of the Central Bank of Iran

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 13, 2026

Source

cnbc.com

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Topics

iranbricseconomywarusisraelsanctionsfinance

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