China's BRICS peace proposal sparks debate in Iran over mediation role

BRICS: BRICS is an intergovernmental organization of major emerging economies focused on economic cooperation and an alternative to Western-led institutions. Xi Jinping highlighted the group's potential collective role in Middle East peace efforts during the 18th summit, marking China's first public signal of willingness to address the Iran-US crisis through multilateral BRICS channels since the war began. China: China is a major global power with extensive economic and strategic interests in the Middle East, including energy imports via the Strait of Hormuz. In this news, Beijing has issued public calls for a coordinated BRICS role in ending the Iran-US conflict while issuing proposals and condemning attacks on Iran, though it has avoided direct bilateral mediation between Tehran and Washington. Analysts note China's cautious approach stems from balancing relations with multiple regional and global actors. Xi Jinping: Xi Jinping is the President of China and a central figure in shaping Beijing's foreign policy. His remarks at the BRICS summit in New Delhi offered a four-point proposal for reducing tensions in the Persian Gulf and Middle East, prompting debate in Iran over whether this signals readiness for mediation while emphasizing cooperation among BRICS members rather than unilateral action. Hamed Vafaei: Hamed Vafaei is a professor of Chinese literature at the University of Tehran and a China researcher. He described interpretations of Xi's remarks as a formal mediation offer as a free interpretation, viewing them instead as part of the gradual evolution of China's West Asia diplomacy. Abbas Akhoundi: Abbas Akhoundi is a reformist Iranian politician. He emphasized that achieving a security regime in the Persian Gulf requires dialogue with China and warned that failing to coordinate on Strait of Hormuz security could lead to increased pressure on Iran. Ramin Mehmanparast: Ramin Mehmanparast is a former Iranian foreign ministry spokesman. He stated that China has clear economic and strategic interests in Persian Gulf stability and possesses the capacity to influence the situation more actively. Mohammad-Javad Zarif: Mohammad-Javad Zarif is a former Iranian foreign minister known for his diplomatic experience. He publicly welcomed China's BRICS-related offer as a timely opportunity for multilateral diplomacy to ease Iran-US tensions. Rahman Ghahremanpour: Rahman Ghahremanpour is a senior Middle East researcher in Iran. He argued that Xi's initiative should be taken seriously due to China's diplomatic capacity and incentives to act amid concerns over prolonged crisis impacts on its interests, while noting Beijing's cautious approach to avoid risks on multiple fronts. Shahir Shahid-Saless: Shahir Shahid-Saless is a Canada-based analyst. He explained Xi's caution as necessary to manage relations with the US, Israel, Iran, and Gulf Arab states, noting that placing the issue in BRICS spreads responsibility and avoids sole ownership of potential failure. Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh: Heshmatollah Falahatpisheh is a former chairman of Iran's parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. He accused Xi of seeking alignment with Washington to gain concessions on trade tariffs through the proposed negotiations plan. Diplomacy: Xi Jinping placed China's Middle East peace initiative within a BRICS framework to distribute responsibility among members rather than positioning China alone as the mediator. Iranian Debate: Iranian figures have offered mixed reactions to Xi's BRICS remarks, with some viewing them as a multilateral opportunity and others cautioning against overinterpreting them as a direct offer to mediate between Tehran and Washington. Regional Interests: Chinese officials and analysts highlight Beijing's focus on stability in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz due to its long-term economic and strategic priorities in the region.