Doha:Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has urged member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to ensure that access to essential resources such as medicine, water, food, and healthcare services remains unaffected by political disputes and economic measures.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Aref addressed a meeting of SCO prime ministers, emphasizing the need to prioritize humanitarian considerations in the face of economic warfare. He stressed that education, as a fundamental human right, should not fall victim to political and economic pressures. Aref highlighted the tragic deaths of 157 children at a school in Minab during US-Israeli military actions against Iran as a grave violation of international law and humanitarian principles.

Aref accused the United States and Israel of violating international laws during their February 28 military attacks on Iran, which resulted in the deaths of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, schoolchildren, and other innocent civilians, while targeting residential, educational, and medical facilities.

He commended Iran's Armed Forces and people for their resistance and success in delivering a significant defeat to the aggressors. Furthermore, Aref expressed gratitude to the SCO and its member states for condemning the attacks and stressed the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

Aref also thanked Tajikistan for hosting the meeting and praised the SCO secretary-general and his team for organizing the event. He expressed optimism about the cultural and humanitarian engagement within the organization and stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation on humanitarian issues.

The vice president's remarks come amid increased US military activity in West Asia and hostile rhetoric against Iran, with Tehran warning of potential retaliation against US bases and naval assets in the region if aggression against Iranian territory continues.