Iran Says It Can Share Military Experience With China-Russia-Led SCO

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. (EPA via Yonhap)

Iran said it is ready to share its military experience and defensive capabilities with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional security bloc that includes China, Russia and Central Asian countries. The remarks signaled Tehran’s interest in expanding security cooperation with the SCO after its recent clashes with the United States and Israel.

According to Times of Central Asia and Reuters on April 30, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik told an SCO defense ministers meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, that Iran was “ready to share defensive weapons capabilities and experience with independent countries, especially SCO member states.” He added that Iran could also share “the experience of America’s defeat” with other members of the organization.

Times of Central Asia reported the comments were made at the Kyrgyz-hosted meeting and that Iran, by offering its recent war experience to other members, underscored the gathering’s geopolitical context.

The reference to “America’s defeat” reflects Iran’s framing. Tasnim described it as sharing “war experience against the United States,” while Reuters reported that Iran delivered the message after its recent clashes with the United States and Israel. A ceasefire was announced earlier this month, but follow-up diplomatic talks have shown little progress.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP