The Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization condemned the latest United States military strikes on Iran during its forty-sixth meeting held in Islamabad. In a formal declaration issued following the session, the multilateral security body reaffirmed its opposition to foreign military action against the Islamic Republic and backed efforts aimed at regional de-escalation.
The high-level meeting was hosted under the chairmanship of Pakistan and attended by delegations from member states including Belarus, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, alongside officials from the organization's executive committee.
Focus on Regional Security, Condolences, and Sovereignty
The council discussed critical issues on the international security agenda and reaffirmed previously stated positions regarding the preservation of Iran's national sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. Delegates expressed formal condolences to the government and citizens of Iran over casualties resulting from recent hostilities, including the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The anti-terrorism body emphasized that lasting regional stability depends on upholding international law, respecting state borders, and resolving escalating conflicts exclusively through diplomatic channels and political engagement.
Joint Counter-Terrorism Directives and Leadership Transition
Beyond addressing the immediate regional conflict, the council reviewed the implementation of member-state coordination agreements aimed at combating terrorism, separatism, and extremism. Member nations approved future operational work plans for the executive committee and established measures to upgrade shared information infrastructure.
Delegates agreed to conduct a joint counter-terrorism exercise and a specialized practical seminar in 2027 focused on identifying and countering the digital misuse of the internet for extremist operations. They also scheduled the thirteenth international scientific and practical conference on counter-terrorism cooperation to take place in Kazakhstan.
At the conclusion of the Islamabad proceedings, the rotating chairmanship of the council officially transferred from Pakistan to the Russian Federation. The council agreed to hold its next regular meeting at the organization's executive committee headquarters in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
