Ex-UN envoy: SCO must act against unilateral sanctions on Iran

Gholamali Khoshroo argued that the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) embodies a vision of equality among nations free from Western domination.

Gholamali Khoshroo, former ambassador and permanent representative of Iran to the United Nations

Tehran, IRNA – Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, Gholamali Khoshroo, has stressed the need for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to stand against unilateral sanctions targeting Iran and to safeguard peace and stability in the region.

In an article published ahead of the SCO leaders’ summit that kicks off on Sunday in Tianjin, China, Khoshroo underlined the organization’s growing importance. Established as a regional security group 24 years ago, the SCO now covers nearly half of the world’s population, one-quarter of its landmass, and about one-quarter of global GDP, he pointed out.

Khoshroo argued that the SCO embodies “a vision of equality among nations free from Western domination,” and provides a framework for multilateral cooperation in political, economic, and cultural fields.

He referred to the organization’s condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, saying the statement was “a timely move to defend peace and denounce aggression.”

The SCO emphasized that strikes on civilian and nuclear infrastructure were a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, according to Khoshroo. 

Highlighting the dangers of unilateral US sanctions, he said they aim to weaken Iran’s economy and unity.

“Unilateral and illegal sanctions imposed by the United States have targeted the very foundation of Iran’s economy in an attempt to undermine social cohesion,” he wrote, calling on the SCO to live up to its charter obligations and extend support to Iran as a member state.

Khoshroo also emphasized the need to strengthen Iran-China cooperation, particularly through long-term economic partnerships tied to the Belt and Road Initiative.

Iran, with its energy resources and strategic location, must be more fully integrated into China’s value chains, he argued. 

“The SCO’s common aspiration is sustainable development,” Khoshroo concluded, adding that stronger economic and strategic ties would consolidate the organization’s role in shaping a fairer global order.