TEHRAN (Iran News) In a meeting with Koulivand, Fernandes said, “During my trip to several countries, including Iran, with the aim of strengthening interactions and exchanging views on joint cooperation in this council, I would like to meet and talk with the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society as the co-chair of the health working group, and I am very pleased with this opportunity.”

He added: “We are trying to carry out pivotal actions in the field of the BRICS Civil Council with the participation of member countries by sharing capacities and experiences in various fields. The role of the Iranian Red Crescent, with its very strong potential and extensive experience in implementing humanitarian actions at the national and international levels, will certainly be very effective.” “Brazil”

Fernandes reiterated that the solutions of the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society in the discussion of the BRICS member countries’ attention to the issue of lifting sanctions, based on extensive experience, is an issue that, in the current global situation, should be a turning point for the member countries involved in sanctions.

He added: “We are trying to carry out pivotal actions in the field of the BRICS Civil Council with the participation of member countries by sharing capacities and experiences in various fields. The role of the Iranian Red Crescent, with its very strong potential and extensive experience in implementing humanitarian actions at the national and international levels, will certainly be very effective.” “Brazil”

Fernandes reiterated that the solutions of the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society in the discussion of the BRICS member countries’ attention to the issue of lifting sanctions, based on extensive experience, is an issue that, in the current global situation, should be a turning point for the member countries involved in sanctions.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged BRICS nations to take a leading role in resisting unilateral sanctions and pushing for reforms in global governance, saying such measures threaten justice, stability, and sustainable development.

“Multilateralism and free trade are two sides of the same coin,” Pezeshkian told a virtual BRICS Summit focused on the global economy and multilateral order on Monday. “Without multilateral mechanisms, free trade becomes a tool in the hands of major powers, and without access to a free trading system, multilateralism is stripped of its meaning and function.”

He described unilateral sanctions and economic restrictions as one of the greatest threats to the international system, undermining national interests, disrupting cooperation, and making sustainable development impossible.

Pezeshkian also pointed to recent conflicts in the Middle East and Latin America – including the US-Israeli aggression against Iran in June, the genocide in Gaza, attacks on Lebanon and Yemen, and the US threats against Venezuela – as proof that the current world order had failed to ensure global peace, justice, and security.

The president called for reforms to global governance, including changes to the UN Security Council and international financial structures, and urged BRICS to develop a joint framework to counter sanctions, promote innovation and strengthen sustainable development.

“Multilateralism and free trade are two sides of the same coin,” Pezeshkian told a virtual BRICS Summit focused on the global economy and multilateral order on Monday. “Without multilateral mechanisms, free trade becomes a tool in the hands of major powers, and without access to a free trading system, multilateralism is stripped of its meaning and function.”

He described unilateral sanctions and economic restrictions as one of the greatest threats to the international system, undermining national interests, disrupting cooperation, and making sustainable development impossible.

Pezeshkian also pointed to recent conflicts in the Middle East and Latin America – including the US-Israeli aggression against Iran in June, the genocide in Gaza, attacks on Lebanon and Yemen, and the US threats against Venezuela – as proof that the current world order had failed to ensure global peace, justice, and security.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking upon his return to Tehran from a multi-nation Latin American tour that included Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil, Qalibaf emphasized that during the recent BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the heads of legislative bodies expressed united stances against U.S. unilateralism and voiced strong interest in enhancing mutual economic ties.

According to the public relations office of Majlis, Qalibaf arrived at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport on Friday, following a diplomatic mission that began the previous Saturday and culminated in Brazil.

Reflecting on the first leg of the trip, Qalibaf highlighted productive discussions with senior Venezuelan officials, including the president, foreign minister, and transport minister, who also chairs the countries’ joint economic commission.

He described the bilateral talks as a positive step forward for political and economic relations, noting the potential for expanded cooperation in sectors such as energy, agriculture, and technology. A key focus was an agreement on customs tariff liberalization, which is expected to be finalized in the coming months.

In addition to formal meetings, he also engaged with religious leaders, academics, and students, with discussions centering on U.S. foreign policy and the crisis in Gaza. He also visited a permanent exhibition of Iranian knowledge-based companies in Caracas, calling it a promising sign of growing bilateral scientific and industrial ties.

In Havana, Qalibaf praised Cuba as a nation of independence and resistance, acknowledging its long-standing challenges under economic sanctions. Meetings with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and parliamentary leaders underscored the potential for collaboration in agriculture and energy, particularly within the country’s refinery infrastructure.

One notable development during the visit was the presentation of four Iranian nuclear medicine kits to the Cuban president, symbolizing Tehran’s intent to expand cooperation in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors.

The final leg of Qalibaf’s trip took him to Brasília, where he participated in the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum. He described the bloc—comprising nearly half the world’s population and a significant share of global trade and GDP—as a vital platform for Iran’s regional and international diplomacy.

Qalibaf underscored the consensus among BRICS parliament heads against U.S. unilateralism and their mutual commitment to deepening economic relations. He also met with Brazilian Senate and House leaders to discuss trade imbalances. While bilateral trade volume stands at €8 billion, only €1 billion accounts for Iranian exports, which he said could be improved by leveraging Iran’s capacity in agriculture and petrochemicals.

Qalibaf also noted that the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will be held in New Delhi in 2026. During a meeting with the Speaker of India’s Parliament, the two sides discussed accelerating the implementation of agreements and addressing development delays in key projects such as Iran’s Chabahar port.

The Iranian Embassy in Brazil also hosted a cultural event to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the passing of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, attended by diplomats, academics, and students. Qalibaf thanked the embassy for organizing the tribute.

He concluded that despite the tight schedule, the trip yielded substantial results in parliamentary diplomacy and economic engagement. He emphasized that active parliamentary diplomacy is essential for advancing Iran’s foreign policy and public diplomacy goals.

He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Ahmad Naderi, head of the Iran-Brazil parliamentary friendship group; Maryam Abdollahi, its deputy chair; Mostafa Taheri, chair of the parliamentary AI caucus; Gholamreza Tajgardoon, chair of the Budget and Planning Commission; Salar Velayatmadar and Jalil Mokhtar, heads of the Venezuela and Cuba friendship groups respectively; and Mohammad Rashidi from the Agriculture Commission.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf says Iran’s participation in the BRICS summit presents a valuable opportunity to expand relations with major global economic powers and counter sanctions.

Speaking on Saturday night at Tehran’s Mehrabad International  Airport before departing for a tour of Latin America and the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, Qalibaf said the visit will begin in Venezuela at the invitation of the country’s parliament speaker to enhance economic, political, and cultural ties.

He highlighted the strategic importance of Latin America, referring to its population of over 600 million and shared positions with Iran on the global stage.

All Latin American countries reject unilateralism and support multilateralism, which creates a good platform for cooperation with the Islamic Republic, he said.

On BRICS, Qalibaf said that the group accounts for over 49 percent of the world’s population, 39 percent of the global economy, and about 24 percent of international trade.

Calling Iran’s participation a significant political and economic opportunity, Qalibaf pointed to discussions on BRICS Pay, the bloc’s proposed alternative to the SWIFT international payment system, as a key area of interest in efforts to overcome sanctions.

He expressed hope that the parliamentary delegation’s Latin America tour would yield tangible political, economic, and cultural outcomes.

The 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum will be held on June 4-5 in Brasilia, Brazil, which will be the host country and chair of BRICS for the entire year.

He highlighted the strategic importance of Latin America, referring to its population of over 600 million and shared positions with Iran on the global stage.

All Latin American countries reject unilateralism and support multilateralism, which creates a good platform for cooperation with the Islamic Republic, he said.

On BRICS, Qalibaf said that the group accounts for over 49 percent of the world’s population, 39 percent of the global economy, and about 24 percent of international trade.

Calling Iran’s participation a significant political and economic opportunity, Qalibaf pointed to discussions on BRICS Pay, the bloc’s proposed alternative to the SWIFT international payment system, as a key area of interest in efforts to overcome sanctions.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a ceremony on Tuesday to unveil the second phase of the Shetab-Mir integration, Farzin emphasized the pivotal role of banking infrastructure in enhancing both economic and cultural ties between nations. “No economic relationship is possible without banking and financial cooperation,” he said. “This initiative aligns with the government’s strategy of strengthening political and economic relations with neighboring countries and BRICS members.”

Farzin reiterated that the integration effort with Russia is part of a larger plan to reduce reliance on Western banking systems, particularly the SWIFT network. “Our goal is to establish an independent and secure financial transaction channel,” he stated. The project is the result of close collaboration between Iranian and Russian banking authorities and has already led to the establishment of correspondent banking relations between multiple Iranian and Russian banks.

In outlining the broader vision, Farzin noted that the Central Bank of Iran aims to implement this Shetab-Mir model across all BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as well as other nations in the region. He emphasized that building a secure banking infrastructure free from Western platforms is a top priority, especially given the current dependence on what he termed “insecure Western systems.”

The Shetab-Mir project also encompasses the interconnection of Iran’s “SEPAM” and Russia’s “SPFS” messaging systems, which serve as alternatives to SWIFT. Additional measures include establishing credit lines, signing monetary agreements, and enabling banking services that support both trade and tourism between the two nations.

According to Farzin, under the newly expanded system, citizens of both countries can now access banking services during travel without needing international banking cards. He confirmed that preliminary work is already underway to implement similar systems with other BRICS and regional countries.

Also speaking at the event, Zulfiya Kakhramanova, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Russia, hailed the Shetab-Mir integration as a crucial step in strengthening bilateral banking relations and facilitating services for citizens of both nations.

“In the first phase, Iranian citizens could withdraw cash in Russia using their bank cards,” she said. “With today’s launch of the second phase, Russian citizens can now use their cards to make purchases in Iran. The third and final phase will see full functionality of the system in both countries.”

Kakhramanova added that this cooperation with Iran has been successful and reflects deepening financial ties between the two countries.

Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador to Russia, also spoke at the event, announcing that the Iran-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement will be officially implemented on May 15. “This agreement is another major step in cementing economic cooperation between Iran and its northern neighbors,” he said.

Jalali noted that Iran’s auto parts manufacturers are already actively engaging with Russian partners, although challenges still remain. He added that the Shetab-Mir connection would greatly benefit the approximately 10,000 Iranian students and businesspeople residing in Russia, as well as Russian tourists and traders visiting Iran.

He praised the second phase of the project, which allows Russian cardholders to make purchases inside Iran, and called for further action from Iran’s tourism ministry to encourage more Russian travelers.

Noush Afarin Momen Vaghefi, Deputy for Payment Systems and Modern Technologies at the CBI, emphasized the technical robustness of the system. “The connection between the Iranian and Russian card networks has been developed based on international standards, enabling direct transactions without intermediaries,” she explained.

She highlighted the strategic importance of this project, describing it as Iran’s first experience connecting its card network with a neighboring country. Since the first phase became operational, nearly 2 million transactions have been recorded by over 100,000 Iranian users in Russia.

The integration of Iran’s Shetab and Russia’s Mir networks marks a significant milestone in Iran’s push to build an independent and secure banking ecosystem with BRICS and regional partners. As geopolitical shifts drive countries toward multipolar alliances, Iran’s banking strategy reflects a broader attempt to circumvent Western restrictions and foster deeper financial cooperation with emerging economies.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Addressing the summit, Nouri emphasized the critical importance of agriculture as the cornerstone of sustainable development for all BRICS member states. “Agriculture forms the foundation of livelihoods, food security, and economic growth in our countries,” he said. “Recognizing this essential role, we must prioritize joint policies and practical actions that strengthen our agricultural sectors and maximize BRICS’ collective potential.”

The Iranian minister thanked the host nation, Brazil, for organizing the conference and highlighted the meeting’s theme: building a shared vision for a sustainable agricultural future among BRICS countries.

Nouri described the summit as a crucial step toward achieving shared goals, particularly the goal of sustainable food security. He pointed out that BRICS—comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly associated members like Iran—is increasingly recognized as a major force in global affairs, playing a pivotal role in fostering economic cooperation and strengthening food security.

“BRICS, by enhancing mutual trust among members and expanding its international influence, represents a significant share of global GDP and trade,” Nouri noted. “By reducing trade barriers, we are moving toward greater economic integration.”

He stressed that cooperation in the agricultural sector could act as a driver for technology transfer, the development of sustainable production methods, and deeper regional and global collaboration.

In his address, Nouri called for agricultural research and innovation centers to be acknowledged as central to collective BRICS efforts. He stated that by enhancing research partnerships and exchanging expertise, member countries could better equip their farmers with sustainable farming techniques. He formally proposed Iran’s initiative to establish the BRICS Union of Agricultural Research Institutions and a corresponding union for vaccine development.

“Iran supports the development of fair agricultural trade among BRICS nations as a key to strengthening food security and fostering economic growth,” Nouri said. He proposed the establishment of a dynamic framework to expand agricultural trade and investment across BRICS countries.

Turning to global challenges, Nouri highlighted climate change as a significant threat to agriculture worldwide. “Shifting rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and declining water resources directly affect agricultural output and food security,” he warned. “We must invest in environmentally friendly technologies, develop climate-smart farming systems, and expand the use of renewable energy in agriculture.”

He also emphasized the strategic importance of the fisheries sector, announcing Iran’s full support for the formation of a BRICS Fisheries Subgroup. Iran, he said, is ready to provide support, share its experiences, and actively participate in related discussions.

Nouri concluded by underlining the role of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence in boosting agricultural productivity and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Expressing gratitude once again to the Brazilian authorities for hosting the summit, he reaffirmed Iran’s strong commitment to expanding cooperation and unity among BRICS members.

“With collective effort and effective cooperation, we can build a prosperous, sustainable, and fair future for agriculture and ensure the well-being of our people,” Nouri said in closing.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Majid Samadzadeh Saber, an advisor to the Iranian foreign minister, made the remarks Wednesday in an address before a summit of BRICS’ national representatives in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

The Iranian official also called for the establishment of an “agile and cost-effective” secretariat for BRICS.

The summit, known as the Sherpa meeting, has been organized to review Russia’s year-long presidency over BRICS and discuss the priorities for the coming year under Brazil’s leadership.

During his address, the Iranian advisor called for efforts to streamline BRICS operations with a focus on economic cooperation between member states.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister and chair of the meeting, also hailed BRICS as a driving force in transitioning the current global system towards a multipolar and multilateral framework.

The Iranian official also called for the establishment of an “agile and cost-effective” secretariat for BRICS.

The summit, known as the Sherpa meeting, has been organized to review Russia’s year-long presidency over BRICS and discuss the priorities for the coming year under Brazil’s leadership.

During his address, the Iranian advisor called for efforts to streamline BRICS operations with a focus on economic cooperation between member states.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister and chair of the meeting, also hailed BRICS as a driving force in transitioning the current global system towards a multipolar and multilateral framework.

The Iranian official also called for the establishment of an “agile and cost-effective” secretariat for BRICS.

The summit, known as the Sherpa meeting, has been organized to review Russia’s year-long presidency over BRICS and discuss the priorities for the coming year under Brazil’s leadership.

During his address, the Iranian advisor called for efforts to streamline BRICS operations with a focus on economic cooperation between member states.

Sergei Ryabkov, Russia’s deputy foreign minister and chair of the meeting, also hailed BRICS as a driving force in transitioning the current global system towards a multipolar and multilateral framework.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The CBI governor made the remarks at the 11th Conference on Modern Banking and Payment Systems in the capital Tehran on Monday.

Farzin noted that sanctions have posed the greatest challenges to the baking sector, however, Iran has made efforts and managed to maintain interactions.

The top Iranian banker explained that the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) was established in 1974, but had limited activity. He added that the secretariat of the union was formed in recent years with the aim of conducting interactions, including with India and Pakistan, which are members of the union.

One of the measures was to launch a new banking system called ACUMER to replace SWIFT, which is now active, he noted.

As to the development of cooperation within the BRICS group, Farzin said that Iran has been making efforts to expand its ties with the bloc and its member states and will continue those efforts in the future in the wake of decreased trade with Western countries.

He also said that the connection between Russia’s MIR and Iran’s Shetab banking systems is another achievement by Iran to develop its banking interactions.

Farzin noted that sanctions have posed the greatest challenges to the baking sector, however, Iran has made efforts and managed to maintain interactions.

The top Iranian banker explained that the Asian Clearing Union (ACU) was established in 1974, but had limited activity. He added that the secretariat of the union was formed in recent years with the aim of conducting interactions, including with India and Pakistan, which are members of the union.

One of the measures was to launch a new banking system called ACUMER to replace SWIFT, which is now active, he noted.

As to the development of cooperation within the BRICS group, Farzin said that Iran has been making efforts to expand its ties with the bloc and its member states and will continue those efforts in the future in the wake of decreased trade with Western countries.

He also said that the connection between Russia’s MIR and Iran’s Shetab banking systems is another achievement by Iran to develop its banking interactions.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) President Pezeshkian is scheduled to present Iran’s views on enhancing cooperation within BRICS and hold bilateral meetings with some leaders to discuss improving relations.

Delegations from Iran, Russia, Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, the UAE, and Ethiopia began to hold formal talks in limited and expanded formats as the agenda of the summit, where Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed the leaders in his opening remarks.

The summit’s main theme is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security.”

According to a foreign policy advisor of the Russian president, participants will discuss the settlement of regional conflicts, financial cooperation within BRICS, and potential scenarios to expand membership.

Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that issues related to Gaza and Lebanon will be part of the discussions of this year’s summit and will be reflected in the final communiqué.

The BRICS Plus meeting, involving leaders of the member states of the BRICS group and countries interested in cooperation with this group, is scheduled for Thursday, October 24.

The summit’s main theme is “Strengthening Multilateralism for Fair Global Development and Security.”

According to a foreign policy advisor of the Russian president, participants will discuss the settlement of regional conflicts, financial cooperation within BRICS, and potential scenarios to expand membership.

Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that issues related to Gaza and Lebanon will be part of the discussions of this year’s summit and will be reflected in the final communiqué.

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