Global Context of the Transition to a Multipolar Order

Mohsen Rouhi Sefat, in an interview with the website of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations, stated: “The international system is transitioning from U.S.-led unilateralism toward a multipolar structure in which emerging powers such as China, Russia, India, Brazil, and South Africa are playing more prominent roles. This transition signifies the gradual decline of American unilateralism and hegemony and the rise of economic and political alliances like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which act as counterbalances to the West. These alliances are redefining the rules of the global game not only economically but also politically and culturally.”

The senior international affairs analyst noted: “Iran, as a country with significant geopolitical and historical capacities, naturally has a potential place in this new order.” However, he added, “For Iran to play an effective role in this order, it needs to join a ‘constellation’ or multilateral alliance. Acting alone in a world where deep, multilayered relationships are paramount is difficult for Iran. Hence, cooperation with BRICS and the SCO holds strategic importance. Yet, these collaborations face obstacles, including U.S. pressure on countries seeking to deepen ties with Iran, which hinders the formation of deep and sustainable relations with Tehran.”

Opportunities for Cooperation with BRICS and the SCO

Rouhi Sefat continued his analysis, stating: “BRICS and the SCO, as multilateral institutions, provide a platform for expanding economic and political cooperation among Global South countries. By joining these institutions, Iran can benefit from opportunities such as access to new markets, attracting investments, and strengthening regional cooperation. The analyst believes that “these alliances can help Iran reduce pressure from the Western-dominated international system and consolidate its position in the new balance of power.”

He cited as an example: “China, as one of the pillars of BRICS and the SCO, has established strategic relations with countries like Pakistan, referred to as ‘ironclad’ ties. This model of cooperation demonstrates the capacity of powers like China to build sustainable alliances. Therefore, Iran, with its exceptional geopolitical position and rich natural resources, can draw inspiration from such models and secure its national interests in a mutually beneficial and balanced manner.”

However, the expert acknowledged that “the success of these collaborations requires certain domestic reforms in Iran and the strengthening of diplomatic capacities to better leverage multilateral cooperation while maintaining strategic autonomy.”

Institutional and Geopolitical Challenges

The senior international affairs analyst noted: “Despite existing opportunities, there are numerous obstacles to Iran’s cooperation with Eastern blocs, one of the most significant being institutional differences among BRICS and SCO members. Geopolitical rivalries within these blocs, such as tensions between China and India, could hinder the formation of effective collective actions against the West.”

Rouhi Sefat also pointed out: “Some countries, like Pakistan, despite developmental limitations, have secured a better position in these blocs due to their diplomatic and human skills. Meanwhile, Iran, despite its greater potential, has yet to capitalize on its capacities fully, even though it should advance relations to the level of strategic partnerships.”

According to Rouhi Sefat, “One reason for this failure is the lack of precise understanding of international realities among decision-makers. This leads Iran, in some cases, to pursue paths that result in predictable obstacles, whereas predictive diplomacy could have prevented such issues. For instance, the inability to foresee certain regional or global crises, such as the recent Zionist-imposed war or economic sanctions, highlights the absence of strategic foresight analysis and planning, which must urgently be addressed.”

The expert added: “Moreover, U.S. pressure on Iran’s potential partners hinders deeper relations with BRICS and SCO member states. These pressures discourage some countries from establishing strong ties with Iran to avoid sanctions or economic repercussions from cooperating with Tehran. This underscores the necessity of enhancing diplomatic skills and fostering balanced relationships.”

Iran’s Strategy: From Balance to Flexibility

Rouhi Sefat emphasized: “To succeed in a multipolar order, Iran must adopt a balanced and flexible strategy. Our country cannot single-handedly resist Western dominance and needs to join multilateral alliances. However, this integration must not come at the cost of losing strategic autonomy. Iran should learn from the experiences of countries like India and Pakistan, which have maintained strategic flexibility by engaging with both Eastern and Western blocs.”

The analyst believes that “strengthening domestic capacities, including skilled human resources and institutional reforms, is essential to transform Iran’s potential into tangible achievements. Human and diplomatic skills, as seen in Pakistan or India, can help Iran solidify its position in the new order. This requires nurturing a generation of diplomats and policymakers familiar with the complexities of the international system and capable of optimally leveraging opportunities for cooperation with Eastern blocs.”

In Rouhi Sefat’s view, “Iran must also adopt an active approach to global challenges such as climate change, public health, and cyber governance. These issues transcend bloc divisions and require global cooperation. By playing an active role in these areas, Iran can not only strengthen its position within Eastern blocs but also be recognized as a responsible actor in the international system.”

Finally, he stated: “Iran’s multipolar diplomacy, if pursued with a measured, flexible, and effective vision, can yield tangible domestic and international achievements. The success of this strategy depends on Iran’s ability to manage intra-bloc complexities, maintain strategic flexibility, and demonstrate the efficacy of multipolar policies in practice. In a world where the rules of the game are being rewritten, Iran, drawing on its historical and geopolitical strengths, can play a pivotal role in shaping a fairer order.”