Tianjin: Former Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations, Gholamali Khoshroo, has emphasized the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) taking a stand against unilateral sanctions on Iran to maintain peace and stability in the region.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Khoshroo articulated his views in an article published prior to the SCO leaders' summit in Tianjin, China. He highlighted the organization's growing significance since its establishment 24 years ago as a regional security group. The SCO currently encompasses nearly half of the world's population, one-quarter of its landmass, and approximately one-quarter of global GDP.

Khoshroo stated that the SCO represents 'a vision of equality among nations free from Western domination,' offering a platform for multilateral cooperation across political, economic, and cultural fields. He noted the organization's recent condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities as a significant move to uphold peace and oppose aggression.

The SCO has stressed that attacks on civilian and nuclear infrastructure constitute a direct breach of international law and the UN Charter, as noted by Khoshroo. He also underscored the risks posed by unilateral US sanctions, which he claims are designed to weaken Iran's economy and social unity.

In his article, Khoshroo urged the SCO to adhere to its charter obligations and support Iran as a member state in the face of these sanctions. He further advocated for bolstering Iran-China cooperation, especially through long-term economic partnerships linked to the Belt and Road Initiative. He argued that Iran's energy resources and strategic position should be better integrated into China's value chains.

Khoshroo concluded by stating that the SCO's collective goal is sustainable development, and that enhanced economic and strategic relationships would strengthen the organization's influence in creating a more equitable global order.