Iran has accepted BRICS’ invitation to join the organization. It became an official member on Jan. 1.
Officials hope the move will help the country’s economic crisis. They see it as an opportunity to challenge U.S.-imposed sanctions.
The BRICS alliance was originally made up of Brazil, Russia, India, and China with South Africa joining later. It sees itself as a counter to Western influence.
Argentina’s President Javier Milei condemned communist countries while campaigning for president. His then-foreign minister-designate assured that Argentina would not join BRICS during a visit to the United States. Noting it was not an “opportune” time for his country to join BRICS.
Despite declining the offer, Mr. Milei says he’s open to increasing trade and investment with members of the organization.
Chinese state media is accusing the United States of somehow incentivizing Argentina to reject the BRICS alliance. It also states that Argentina is welcome to join BRICS when it chooses to.