Iranian Foreign Minister Urges SCO to Counter State Terrorism, Unilateralism at Tianjin Meeting

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has called on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to assume a central role in confronting emerging global threats, including state terrorism, military aggression, cognitive warfare, and unilateral sanctions.

Speaking at the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting held Tuesday in Tianjin, China, Araqchi emphasized the importance of a unified stance among member states in defending multilateralism and upholding international law.

“The Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which possesses vast geopolitical, economic, and human potential, can and indeed should play a central role in addressing emerging threats, especially state terrorism, military aggression, cognitive warfare, and unilateral sanctions,” he said.

He urged the SCO, recognized as a voice of the Global South, to safeguard the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter—particularly sovereign equality and the prohibition of force—by acting collectively in the face of such challenges.

Araqchi underscored the necessity for the SCO to not only protect the interests of its members but also present a model for a responsible and cooperative regional order. “We believe that the SCO is well positioned to serve as a cornerstone of the emerging multipolar world order, and firmly stand against unilateralism, warmongering, and attempts to undermine national sovereignty,” he stated.

To further strengthen the organization’s role, Araqchi presented several proposals, including:

• The formation of a joint mechanism to coordinate responses to military aggression, sabotage, state terrorism, and sovereignty violations;
• The establishment of a center dedicated to examining and confronting unilateral sanctions;
• The creation of a regional security assembly under the SCO;
• Enhanced media and cultural cooperation among member states.

The Iranian foreign minister also addressed last month’s military escalation involving Iran and Israel. He condemned the Israeli attack on Iran, which he said included the bombing of three nuclear facilities, and accused the United States of direct involvement.

Araqchi briefed the forum on the casualties and infrastructure damage resulting from the aggression and reiterated Tehran’s stance that Israel must be held accountable for its actions. “Insecurity in West Asia will remain an unresolved issue as long as the lawless and rogue behavior of the Israeli regime continues to be supported and encouraged by its backers,” he said.

He lamented what he described as the international community’s inaction in stopping Israel’s alleged genocide against the Palestinian people and its prolonged occupation of Arab territories.

“Israel’s aggression against Iran is a direct result of the complete impunity mainly granted to the regime by the United States and certain European countries—the very impunity that enables the regime to commit crimes in our region without fear of accountability,” Araqchi concluded.

The SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting brought together top diplomats from across Eurasia to deliberate on regional security, economic integration, and collective responses to geopolitical challenges.