The story: Iran and five other nations have been formally invited to join BRICS at the group's summit in South Africa. The invitation has been described by Iranian officials as a "historic" development and a "strategic victory" for Iran's foreign policy. It has also quickly turned into a domestic political football, with supporters of President Ebrahimi Raisi pitted against pro-reform rivals who question the dividends.

Iranian media believe joining BRICS will help strengthen the push for de-dollarization of international trade, challenge the west's authority in global affairs, and neutralize US efforts to isolate Iran through sanctions.

However, a senior Iranian source has tempered expectations of the practical outcomes. Speaking to Amwaj.media on condition of anonymity, the source described BRICS membership “as an important achievement in terms of...