Dushanbe:Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has stated that the 40-day military aggression against Iran represents not only an attack on the nation but also a direct assault on the foundations of the international legal order and the principle of sovereign equality of states.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Aref made these remarks during a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. He highlighted that the international system is currently facing unprecedented challenges due to unilateral actions by some countries.

Aref accused the United States and Israel of violating fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter, actions he said threaten regional and global peace and security. He expressed concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure, educational and medical facilities, economic installations, and peaceful nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency, describing them as setting a dangerous precedent for international security.

He asserted that Iran has exercised its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, while also emphasizing Tehran's preference for peace over confrontation.

The Iranian vice president called for stronger economic cooperation among SCO member states, advocating for increased use of national currencies in trade, enhanced banking connectivity, independent payment mechanisms, and the establishment of an SCO development bank. Aref stressed Iran's readiness to contribute actively to joint economic, financial, and infrastructure initiatives, emphasizing that greater cooperation, connectivity, and economic resilience are essential for addressing regional and global challenges.