Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) include: X is CH or N, preferably CH; n is 1-5, preferably 1-2; m is 0-5, preferably 1-2; and, when m is 2-5, two of the R2 radicals taken together with two adjacent carbons of the benzene ring can form a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring fused with the benzene ring. Compounds of formula (I) are heme-regulated inhibitor (HRI) activators and useful for prevention or treatment of cardiometabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and heart disease.