Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Iran Seeks BRICS and India Support Amid US Economic Pressure
Iran is facing a serious economic crisis because of war and sanctions from the United States and other countries.
An Iranian policy expert says these problems have hurt ordinary people and important industries.
He also says many Iranians have united behind their government during the conflict.
Iran believes that BRICS and other international groups could provide new ways to cooperate outside US-led systems.
However, some members of these groups are cautious and may not act strongly.
Iran especially wants better economic relations with India.
Iranian officials are disappointed that India buys less Iranian oil and works closely with Israel.
They hope India will use its BRICS leadership to support cooperation among developing countries.
Iranian policy expert Seyed Mohamad Sadegh Emamian says sanctions and war have severely damaged Iran’s economy.
Emamian says Iranian society and state institutions have shown resilience despite military strikes and economic pressure.
He argues that “Operation Economic Outcast” largely intensifies existing measures and psychological pressure rather than introducing new tools.
Iran views BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as potential alternatives to US-dominated institutions, though their effectiveness remains limited.
Tehran hopes India’s BRICS presidency will support stronger Iran-India ties and broader Global South cooperation.
- Who
- Iran, the United States, Israel, BRICS members, India, and Iranian policy expert Seyed Mohamad Sadegh Emamian.
- What
- Iran is seeking economic and diplomatic support from BRICS and India as US-led pressure, sanctions, and military conflict intensify.
- When
- The article discusses developments during the ongoing conflict and measures introduced since 2025, including the latest US pressure campaign announced last month.
- Where
- Iran, the Persian Gulf region, BRICS institutions, and India.
- Why
- Iran wants relief from economic pressure and alternatives to US-dominated international institutions and trade networks.
Iranian perspective
United States and Western pressure perspective
Purpose of economic pressure
Iranian perspective
Iranian analyst Emamian describes sanctions and the new pressure campaign as harmful measures that have imposed major costs on Iran’s economy and civilians.
United States and Western pressure perspective
The United States is described as using trade restrictions, tariffs, and a naval blockade to increase pressure on Iran and compel it to return to negotiations.
Effectiveness of new measures
Iranian perspective
Emamian argues that the latest campaign adds little in practice because the United States and Europe have already used most of their available economic tools; he characterizes much of the new effort as psychological warfare.
United States and Western pressure perspective
US officials present the campaign as a further effort to tighten Iran’s economic isolation, including through measures affecting countries that trade with Iran.
Role of BRICS and India
Iranian perspective
Iran hopes BRICS and India can help create a supportive network and offer alternatives to US-dominated institutions.
United States and Western pressure perspective
The article notes that some BRICS members are cautious, minimally engaged, or maintain relationships with the United States, limiting the platforms’ immediate usefulness to Iran.
- US pressure campaign
- US President Donald Trump announced “Operation Economic Outcast” to intensify economic pressure on Iran.
- Reported economic impact
- Sanctions and conflict have damaged Iran’s economy, civil life, and potentially its oil industry.
- Iranian resilience
- Emamian says Iranian society, military structures, and public administration have remained resilient during the conflict.
- BRICS role
- Iran views BRICS as a possible platform for cooperation among Global South countries outside US-dominated institutions.
- India relationship
- Iran considers its relationship with India historically important but says Indian imports of Iranian oil and broader trade have declined.
- India’s BRICS presidency
- Iran hopes India will use its BRICS leadership to support Global South values and stronger bilateral relations.