‘Future Belongs To Global South’: What Iranian Speaker Meant By ‘New World Order’

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said that “the future belongs to the Global South,” signalling Iran’s belief that global power is gradually shifting away from Western nations toward emerging economies and regional powers.

The Iranian Parliament speaker made the remarks while referencing Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of a changing world order, arguing that recent geopolitical tensions have accelerated the transition toward a more multipolar global system.

What Ghalibaf Said

In a post on X, Ghalibaf claimed the world was entering a historic phase of transformation. Quoting Xi’s statement that “transformations unseen in a century are accelerating across the globe,” he argued that Iran’s recent resistance to American and Israeli pressure had helped speed up these geopolitical changes.

Ghalibaf said the rise of the “Global South” — a term commonly used for emerging and developing nations — would define the future international order. His comments came amid growing tensions in West Asia and increasing cooperation between Iran and China.

Xi Jinping’s ‘Transformation’ And ‘Thucydides Trap’ Remarks

Ghalibaf’s message closely echoed Xi’s recent comments about global instability and shifting power structures. During discussions on international relations, Xi warned that the world was facing rapid geopolitical changes and increasing uncertainty.

The Chinese president also referenced the “Thucydides Trap,” a theory suggesting conflict becomes more likely when a rising power begins challenging an existing dominant power. The concept was popularised by political scientist Graham Allison and is often used in debates surrounding US-China rivalry.

Xi stressed that cooperation between major powers was preferable to confrontation and said stable relations between countries were essential for global peace and economic stability.

Why Iran Is Aligning With China’s Messaging

Observers say Ghalibaf’s remarks reflect Tehran’s attempt to align itself more closely with China’s broader narrative of a multipolar world. By invoking Xi’s language, Iran appears to be presenting itself as part of a wider coalition of emerging powers seeking to reduce Western influence over global politics and economics.

The comments also came shortly after a major meeting in Beijing involving Xi and US President Donald Trump, where issues ranging from trade tensions to regional conflicts were discussed. Analysts believe Iran is using the moment to reinforce its strategic partnership with China while framing its regional stance as part of a larger global realignment.

What Is The ‘Global South’?

The phrase “Global South” generally refers to developing and emerging economies across Asia, Africa, Latin America and parts of the Middle East. In recent years, countries such as China, India, Brazil and Iran have increasingly advocated for a global system where economic and political power is shared more broadly rather than dominated by Western nations.

Ghalibaf’s statement reflects Tehran’s view that the balance of global influence is gradually shifting toward these emerging powers as international alliances continue to evolve.