Iran was one of six new countries that were invited to join the BRICS at the Aug. 22-24 summit of that grouping in Johannesburg, South Africa, and which are scheduled to become full-fledged members on Jan. 1, 2024, which is also the date that Russia takes over the rotating annual presidency of the BRICS. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi initiated a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, in which, according to the brief Kremlin read-out “Ebrahim Raisi thanked Vladimir Putin for supporting Iran’s application to join BRICS. The sides discussed steps to ensure Iran’s gradual involvement in BRICS activities, taking into account Russia’s chairmanship in 2024.”