SCO members condemn fresh attacks on Iran

SCO members condemn fresh attacks on Iran

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hosted the 46th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) Council on Monday, where member states, including India, China and Russia, condemned fresh military attacks against Iran and called for efforts to ease regional tensions.

The meeting took place under Pakistan’s chairmanship amid growing concerns over the impact of the US-Iran confrontation on regional peace and global energy supplies.

In a statement issued after the meeting, the SCO-RATS Council condemned the latest attacks on Iran and reaffirmed the organisation’s earlier position against military action. It also expressed condolences to the Iranian government and people over the reported death of Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as to the families of those killed.

The council reiterated its support for Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. It also backed diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, restore peace and promote regional stability.

Representatives from Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended the meeting, along with officials from the SCO-RATS Executive Committee.

India’s participation and its shared position on Iran stood out amid ongoing tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. The development highlighted the issue as one of the few areas where regional rivals and major powers within the SCO have found common ground.

The meeting primarily focused on strengthening cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism, which the organisation refers to as the “three forces of evil”.

The council reviewed progress on previously approved decisions concerning cooperation among member states’ relevant authorities. It also approved work plans for the SCO-RATS Executive Committee and expert groups working on counterterrorism.

In addition, the participants adopted measures to establish and improve information infrastructure to enhance coordination and information-sharing among SCO members.