Why it matters:
The joint drill underscores Iran’s growing influence within the SCO and directly challenges Western claims about Iran’s “isolation.” Analysts say the exercise reflects the bloc’s shift toward more robust military and security coordination.
The big picture:
Three major takeaways from the exercise:
Expansion of SCO objectives toward coordinated security and military cooperation.
Strengthening Iran’s role and standing within the organization following its full membership.
Refuting Western narratives portraying Iran as regionally or globally isolated.
Key points:
All 10 SCO member states — Iran, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Pakistan, Tajikistan, India, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — are participating.
The drill includes field operations, joint tactical maneuvers, counterterrorism simulations, and cooperative command structure exercises.
Go deeper:
Iran’s integration into the SCO has opened pathways for expanded military, economic, energy, and transit cooperation across Eurasia.
Mojtaba Darabi - A.Akbari
