TEHRAN, Oct. 20 (MNA) –Iran's First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref has said Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) must move beyond merely condemning US-Israeli aggression and sanctions imposed against Iran, and also strengthen its economic power.
Mehr is a semi-official Iranian news agency. This is a translation of that outlet's own report; it is the outlet's account, not Artesh's finding.
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Iran VP Calls for SCO to Strengthen Economic Ties Against US-Israel Aggression
1w ago
October 20, 2026
1 min read
📰 Mehr News English
📋 Key Takeaway
Iran's First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref urged the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to go beyond just condemning US-Israeli aggression and sanctions against Iran, advocating for enhanced economic collaboration among member states. This call highlights Iran's desire for stronger international alliances amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
Iran seeks to bolster its economic alliances through the SCO as a countermeasure to perceived aggression from the US and Israel.
👥 Key Players
Mohammadreza Aref
MENTIONED
First Vice President of Iran
"Aref represents the Iranian government and its economic interests, particularly in the context of international sanctions and geopolitical tensions."
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
MENTIONED
Intergovernmental organization
"The SCO is a significant regional alliance that includes major powers like China and Russia, which can influence economic and political dynamics in the region."
📰 What Happened
Iran's First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref called for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to enhance economic collaboration among its members in response to US-Israeli aggression and sanctions against Iran. He emphasized the need for the SCO to take concrete actions beyond mere condemnation.
- Aref's statement highlights Iran's push for stronger economic ties with SCO member states.
- The call comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: This call for economic collaboration reflects Iran's strategy to mitigate the impact of sanctions and strengthen its economy through regional partnerships.
🌍 Regional: Strengthening ties within the SCO could shift regional power dynamics and enhance collective economic resilience against Western sanctions.
🌐 International: The US and its allies may view this as a challenge to their influence in the region, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts.
📚 Background
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a regional alliance founded in 2001, primarily focused on political, economic, and security cooperation among its member states, which include China, Russia, and several Central Asian countries. Iran's relationship with the SCO is critical as it seeks to navigate international sanctions and isolation.
US-Iran relations
Geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East
📡 Source:
STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence:
70%
As a state media outlet, the source may reflect the official Iranian government perspective, emphasizing its narrative on international relations and economic strategies.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 100%
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