Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has left Tehran for New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit and is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later on Friday.

Pezeshkian’s visit comes at a particularly sensitive time for Iran and the wider region, with the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel putting additional geopolitical pressure on the BRICS grouping. Iran has been a full BRICS member since 2024.

The Iranian president is among the major leaders expected in New Delhi for the September 12–13 summit, which is being hosted by India.

Pezeshkian-Modi Meeting in Focus

The bilateral meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian is expected to attract particular attention because of the current situation in West Asia and India's longstanding engagement with Iran.

The discussions are likely to provide an opportunity for the two sides to review bilateral relations and regional developments, while also discussing areas of mutual economic and strategic interest.

Pezeshkian's visit is also significant for the BRICS summit because Iran's position on the ongoing conflict is one of the issues testing consensus within the expanded grouping.

Iran War Puts BRICS Under Pressure

The summit is taking place against the backdrop of the continuing US-led war against Iran, which has created divisions within BRICS.

Iran and the UAE, both members of the expanded grouping, currently find themselves on opposing sides of the conflict. The UAE has suspended trade and financial transactions with Iran after being targeted by Iranian missiles, adding another complication for a bloc that operates largely through consensus.

The conflict has also disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, adding an economic dimension to the geopolitical crisis.

India Balances Regional and Strategic Interests

For New Delhi, the meeting with Pezeshkian comes as India seeks to maintain engagement with Iran while managing its wider relationships with Russia, China, the United States and other major powers.

India has longstanding economic and strategic interests in Iran, including connectivity through the Chabahar port and access to markets in Central Asia.

The Modi-Pezeshkian talks could therefore provide an opportunity to discuss both the immediate regional situation and the longer-term prospects for bilateral cooperation.

BRICS Seeks Common Ground

Pezeshkian's presence also comes as BRICS attempts to produce a joint declaration despite differences among its members.

Reuters reported that disagreements between Iran and the UAE had complicated efforts to draft common language on the Middle East crisis. However, recent discussions within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation provided some hope that countries with differing positions could still find mutually acceptable formulations.

The New Delhi summit will therefore be an important test of whether the expanded BRICS can maintain unity while its members face conflicting geopolitical pressures.

Economic Cooperation Also on Agenda

Alongside geopolitical issues, the summit is expected to focus heavily on economic cooperation.

India's BRICS presidency has promoted initiatives involving trade, startups, innovation, logistics and supply-chain resilience. Leaders are also expected to consider proposals for a BRICS Incubator Network, a startup innovation fund and a logistics supply-chain cooperation framework.

For Iran, participation in these initiatives could provide opportunities to deepen economic engagement with other emerging economies despite the broader pressure created by sanctions and the regional conflict.

Pezeshkian Among Key Leaders in Delhi

Pezeshkian joins a high-level gathering that includes Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with leaders from South Africa, Egypt and Indonesia. The UAE is expected to be represented by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The presence of these leaders makes the New Delhi summit one of the most consequential BRICS meetings since the grouping's expansion.

For India, Pezeshkian's visit offers an opportunity to engage directly with Tehran at a time when the regional security environment and the future of BRICS cooperation are both under intense scrutiny.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, according to Iranian media reports. The reported meeting would bring the two leaders together at a time when West Asia remains under intense geopolitical pressure.

The two-day SCO Summit is being held in Bishkek on August 31 and September 1, with leaders from the organisation's member states gathering to discuss regional security, counter-terrorism, trade, connectivity and other international issues. The summit is also taking place as the SCO marks 25 years since its establishment.

Modi and Pezeshkian at Bishkek summit

Prime Minister Modi arrived in Bishkek on Sunday after completing his visit to Uzbekistan. He is attending the summit at the invitation of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov.

Iranian President Pezeshkian is among the prominent leaders participating in the summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are also attending, while Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are among other leaders expected at the gathering.

The reported Modi-Pezeshkian meeting would be significant against the backdrop of developments in West Asia and Iran's wider diplomatic engagement with major regional powers.

West Asia tensions in focus

The SCO gathering comes amid continuing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The conflict involving Iran and its wider regional implications are expected to form part of the broader discussions among participating leaders.

Iran's engagement with India has strategic importance, particularly in areas involving connectivity, energy and regional cooperation. India has also maintained diplomatic engagement with Tehran while seeking to protect its interests amid changing conditions in the region.

SCO agenda includes security and trade

Regional security and counter-terrorism are expected to remain central themes at the summit. Leaders are also expected to discuss trade, energy, transport connectivity and digital cooperation. The ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine are among the international developments likely to influence discussions.

The SCO was established in 2001 by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan became full members in 2017, while Iran joined the organisation in 2023 and Belarus followed in 2024. The grouping currently has 10 member states, along with dialogue partners and observer countries.

India-Iran ties in spotlight

A meeting between Modi and Pezeshkian could provide an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on regional developments and bilateral cooperation. India and Iran have longstanding economic and strategic interests, including connectivity initiatives linking India with Central Asia.

The discussions could also assume significance as India balances its relationships with countries across the region while advocating dialogue and diplomatic solutions to conflicts.

Modi's wider SCO engagements

The prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral discussions with other leaders on the sidelines of the summit. His reported meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin is among the key engagements being watched during the Bishkek visit.

Modi has said India's approach to the region is anchored in security, connectivity and opportunity, while stressing the need for a region free from terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The SCO summit is therefore likely to provide India with a broad diplomatic platform to engage with Iran, Russia, China, Central Asian countries and other participating nations as geopolitical and economic issues remain closely intertwined.

Differences are emerging between the United States and some of its Gulf allies over President Donald Trump’s approach to negotiations with Iran, with regional governments reportedly concerned that prolonged talks have yet to produce a firm agreement.

According to a report cited from The Washington Post, some Gulf countries are disappointed with Washington’s efforts to reach a settlement with Tehran. The report said these governments believe the negotiations have failed to deliver a meaningful outcome despite continuing diplomatic engagement.

The White House has rejected suggestions that Gulf leaders are unhappy with Trump, saying the US president maintains strong relationships with leaders across the region and that Washington has remained in close contact with its allies since the conflict began.

Trump Rules Out Immediate Attack

Trump has also indicated that the United States is not currently preparing for another military strike against Iran.

According to Axios, Trump said last week that Washington was engaged in what he described as “half-hearted talks” with Tehran while closely watching Iran’s worsening economic situation.

The US president had previously cancelled a planned military operation against Iran, saying that a diplomatic agreement could make further military action unnecessary.

The uncertainty surrounding the negotiations has nevertheless kept military escalation as a possibility, particularly if discussions fail to resolve the major issues separating Washington and Tehran.

Hormuz Becomes Key Dispute

One of the biggest obstacles in the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway between Iran and Oman through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passes.

Trump has demanded that the strait be reopened fully and immediately. Iran, however, has linked the reopening to the lifting of what it describes as a US naval blockade and the withdrawal of American forces positioned near Iranian territory.

The dispute has broader implications because any prolonged disruption in the waterway could affect global energy supplies and push up international oil prices.

Iran and Oman Hold Separate Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran is separately holding discussions with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

The talks reportedly involve practical and technical questions, including the establishment of safe routes for commercial vessels using the waterway.

Araghchi has stressed that these discussions are separate from the wider negotiations between Iran and the United States.

Oman has previously played an important role in facilitating communication between Washington and Tehran, making its involvement particularly significant as both sides seek a way through the current impasse.

Gulf States Take Different Positions

Despite being close US partners, Gulf countries are not taking a uniform position on how Washington should deal with Iran.

The United Arab Emirates is reportedly more supportive of increased military pressure on Tehran. The UAE's position is based on the assessment that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could be forced to make concessions if Washington increases pressure and establishes greater control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Saudi Arabia, by contrast, has favoured dialogue and de-escalation. Riyadh had previously opposed a US plan to use military force to reopen the waterway.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also reportedly urged Trump by telephone not to pursue further military action.

Qatar Pushes Mediation

Qatar has emerged as one of the key regional mediators in discussions involving Iran, the United States and Oman.

Qatari officials have reportedly been communicating with Trump and conveyed that Iran had accepted a proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar's role reflects the wider Gulf concern that a prolonged confrontation between Washington and Tehran could have serious consequences for regional security, trade and energy markets.

Iran Accuses US and Israel

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has meanwhile accused the United States and Israel of attempting to turn Gulf countries against Tehran.

Speaking to Iranian state television, Pezeshkian said Washington and Tel Aviv were exploiting Iran's internal difficulties and attempting to weaken its relationships with neighbouring countries.

At the same time, he stressed the importance of improving ties with Gulf states, signalling Tehran's interest in preventing the current tensions from developing into a broader regional confrontation.

Energy Markets Remain at Risk

The disagreement over the Strait of Hormuz remains particularly sensitive because of its importance to global energy trade.

A prolonged closure or restricted movement through the waterway could disrupt oil and gas supplies from Gulf producers and create additional volatility in international markets.

For Washington's Gulf allies, the priority is therefore not limited to the outcome of the US-Iran negotiations. The security of the waterway, avoidance of a wider war and stability in regional energy markets are also major concerns.

With Washington and Tehran still divided over the terms of a possible agreement, Gulf governments are likely to continue balancing their security relationship with the United States against the economic and geopolitical risks of further confrontation with Iran.

Fresh claims about the health of Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei have triggered renewed speculation over the country's leadership, with Israeli media reporting that he is in critical condition and has been hospitalised. The reports, however, have not been independently verified, while Iranian officials have previously rejected claims that Khamenei is incapacitated.

Israeli outlet Channel 14, citing sources it said were inside Iran, reported that Khamenei's condition was “extremely critical”. The report also referred to information published by IranWire, which cited two sources close to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration.

According to those sources, senior officials in Iran are increasingly concerned about Khamenei's health, with rumours circulating within the country's leadership that he could die soon. IranWire said the sources did not provide independently verifiable medical details. (IranWire)

Questions Over Khamenei's Absence

The latest reports have intensified questions over Khamenei's prolonged absence from public view.

Since becoming Iran's Supreme Leader, Khamenei has not appeared publicly or delivered a speech. Only written statements attributed to him have been released through Iranian state-linked media, adding to speculation about his health and ability to directly oversee government affairs. (IranWire)

Reports about his condition have circulated since the US-Israeli strikes that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, earlier this year. Various reports have claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained injuries during the attack, although accounts of the severity of those injuries have differed significantly.

Iran Has Rejected Health Claims

Iranian officials have previously dismissed reports suggesting that Khamenei is incapacitated.

President Pezeshkian has acknowledged that communicating with the Supreme Leader has been difficult but has maintained that Khamenei remains an important source of strength for the government.

The conflicting accounts have made it difficult to establish his current medical condition independently. No detailed medical bulletin confirming that Khamenei is in critical condition has been publicly released.

Reports of Hospitalisation

The latest claims, reported by Israeli media and subsequently carried by several international outlets, suggest that Khamenei may have been taken to hospital.

However, these reports remain allegations based on unnamed sources. A recent report by Deccan Chronicle also described claims that Khamenei had been hospitalised, while noting that the information originated from Israeli media. (Deccan Chronicle)

The absence of recent public appearances has become a central factor behind the continuing speculation.

Why His Health Matters

Mojtaba Khamenei's health carries significance beyond a personal medical issue because of his position at the top of Iran's political and religious establishment.

Any prolonged inability to exercise his responsibilities could raise questions about decision-making within Tehran, particularly as Iran continues to deal with military tensions involving the United States and Israel.

It could also revive discussions about the country's leadership structure and the role of senior clerics and security institutions in managing state affairs.

No Independent Confirmation Yet

For now, the reported deterioration in Khamenei's health should be treated cautiously. The latest claims rely largely on unnamed sources cited by Israeli media and Iran-focused outlets, and there has been no independently verified public evidence establishing that the Supreme Leader is close to death.

The reports nevertheless add to a growing information vacuum surrounding Khamenei. His continued absence, limited public communication and conflicting accounts about his health have kept speculation alive over the condition of Iran's Supreme Leader and the extent to which he is currently involved in running the country.

Iran has reportedly turned down a ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States and conveyed through Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to a report by The New York Times. The development comes amid growing military tensions between Washington and Tehran and increasing concerns over the possibility of a wider conflict in West Asia.

The report, citing Iranian and Iraqi officials familiar with the discussions, said al-Zaidi delivered the proposal during his official visit to Tehran on Thursday. The visit followed his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

While the full details of the proposed ceasefire have not been made public, the report said Tehran rejected the offer because it failed to address one of Iran's key concerns—the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes for global oil shipments.

Iraqi PM Acts as Diplomatic Messenger

According to the report, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi carried what was described as the only ceasefire proposal currently on the table between Washington and Tehran.

His visit marked his first official trip to Iran since taking office in May 2026. Accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, al-Zaidi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, focusing on bilateral relations, regional security, and efforts to prevent further escalation across West Asia.

Both governments also reviewed the implementation of earlier cooperation agreements covering trade, energy, transportation, and regional connectivity.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Sticking Point

Officials cited in the report said Iran's primary objection was that the ceasefire proposal did not address the future status or security arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

The narrow waterway is one of the world's busiest energy corridors, with a significant portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passing through it each day.

Control and security in the Strait have long been central issues in Iran's strategic calculations and have frequently been at the centre of tensions between Tehran and Western powers.

High-Level Meetings in Tehran

During his visit, al-Zaidi also met with several senior Iranian leaders, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and other officials involved in regional diplomacy.

According to Iranian media reports, discussions extended beyond the ceasefire proposal to include economic cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening bilateral ties between Iran and Iraq.

The meetings underscored Baghdad's continuing efforts to maintain communication with both Washington and Tehran amid escalating regional tensions.

Concerns Over Wider Regional Conflict

The New York Times, citing two anonymous Iranian officials, reported that Tehran is preparing for the possibility of a broader military confrontation if the United States expands its military operations against Iran.

According to the report, Iranian officials warned that any further attacks on Tehran or critical infrastructure could trigger a wider regional response.

The officials reportedly indicated that Iran could expand military operations to include strikes on Tel Aviv and could seek support from Yemen's Houthi movement to disrupt shipping through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, another strategically important maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

These reported remarks have not been independently verified.

Casualties and Escalating Tensions

Iranian authorities said on Wednesday that the ongoing US strikes had resulted in 53 deaths and 592 injuries.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have risen sharply over the past two weeks following President Donald Trump's announcement on July 8 that the ceasefire framework outlined in last month's US-Iran memorandum of understanding was no longer in effect.

Since then, diplomatic efforts to restore calm have continued alongside heightened military activity, raising concerns among regional and international observers about the risk of further escalation.

With Iran reportedly rejecting the latest ceasefire proposal, uncertainty remains over whether fresh diplomatic initiatives can prevent the conflict from expanding across the region.

A state funeral meant to project national unity after the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei instead exposed deep political divisions within the country's leadership. During funeral ceremonies attended by thousands, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi faced hostile slogans and public criticism from hardline supporters who accused the government of compromising with the United States.

The confrontation comes amid heightened uncertainty over Iran's future political direction following Khamenei's death during the US-Israel military strikes on 28 February 2026 and the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as his successor.

Funeral Turns Into Political Flashpoint

As President Pezeshkian walked alongside Khamenei's coffin during funeral proceedings, sections of the crowd reportedly chanted slogans such as "Death to the compromiser," expressing anger over the government's attempts to pursue a diplomatic understanding with Washington.

The incident reflected growing tensions between Iran's elected leadership and influential hardline factions, many of whom believe the government has shown weakness toward the United States instead of pursuing retaliation following Khamenei's assassination.

Funeral ceremonies were held across Tehran, Mashhad, Qom, and parts of Iraq, drawing large numbers of supporters of the Islamic Republic.

Foreign Minister Also Targeted

Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who had played a key role in negotiations with the United States before the reported collapse of the proposed agreement, also faced protests during the ceremonies.

According to reports, some hardline supporters accused him of betraying the country by engaging in talks with Washington. Media reports said objects were thrown in his direction, forcing security personnel to escort him away from the venue.

The criticism reflects broader opposition among conservative groups, who argue that any negotiations with the United States undermine Iran's strategic position following recent military confrontations.

Leadership Faces Pressure After Khamenei's Death

The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei marked a major turning point in Iran's political landscape.

Although Mojtaba Khamenei was announced as the country's new Supreme Leader shortly after his father's death, he has remained largely absent from public events because of reported security concerns.

His limited public appearances have fuelled speculation about internal power dynamics, while hardline groups continue demanding a stronger response against the United States and Israel.

Calls for Revenge Intensify

During the funeral ceremonies, crowds reportedly raised anti-US slogans and demanded retaliation for Khamenei's killing.

Many hardline supporters argued that Iran's leadership should prioritize revenge instead of pursuing diplomatic engagement. Some speakers claimed any agreement with Washington contradicted the principles laid down by the late Supreme Leader.

The reported collapse of the proposed peace understanding has further strengthened the position of conservative factions advocating a tougher national security approach.

Religious Figure Issues Threat

The political tensions escalated after Mohammad Ali Bakhshi, a religious singer known for his close association with Iran's conservative establishment, publicly warned President Pezeshkian during the funeral events.

In remarks widely circulated on social media, Bakhshi said the government must fulfil the directives of the country's leadership and warned of serious consequences if it failed to do so.

The statement drew criticism from several observers but, according to reports, no official action has been taken against him.

Iran Enters a New Political Phase

The events surrounding Khamenei's funeral underscore the challenges facing Iran's leadership as it navigates succession, domestic political rivalries and heightened regional tensions.

While the government continues to balance security concerns with diplomatic considerations, hardline groups remain influential and continue to push for a more confrontational approach toward the United States.

With questions over leadership, foreign policy and internal political stability remaining unresolved, the coming months are expected to play a crucial role in shaping Iran's post-Khamenei future.