TEHRAN – The Iranian defense minister affirmed Iran's measured response to the Zionist regime's aggression, characterizing it as a strategic deterrent against further escalation.

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani made the remarks in the 21st meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on Friday. 

During the meeting, which was held in Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, Ashtiani highlighted recent security challenges within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, citing unfortunate terrorist incidents in Iran, Russia, and Pakistan that resulted in casualties among innocent civilians. 

Extending condolences to the victims' families, he condemned these events as egregious violations of human rights. 

Moreover, Ashtiani addressed the ongoing atrocities in Palestine, where the Zionist regime has inflicted widespread destruction, including targeting women, children, rescuers, and journalists, and demolishing critical infrastructure and hospitals. 

He strongly condemned the state terrorism perpetrated by the Zionist regime and its supporters, reiterating Iran's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's legitimate right to self-defense. 

Ashtiani criticized the recent Israeli aggression against the Iranian consulate in Syria by the Zionist regime, denouncing it as a deliberate attempt to exacerbate regional tensions and divert attention from its atrocities in Gaza, a violation of international law. 

Ashtiani emphasized that Iran's response was a prudent warning to deter further escalation, affirming Iran's commitment to regional stability. 

“Despite these provocations, Iran, under its legitimate right to self-defense as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, took decisive action against the aggressor,” he added. 

Nevertheless, he cautioned against any audacious provocations, emphasizing that Iran stands ready to respond appropriately and remorsefully to any hostile acts.

Ashtiani hailed the firm stance of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states in condemning the attack on Iranian diplomatic premises in Syria, describing their response as commendable. 

Ashtiani lauded the rational and constructive positions of Russia and China, particularly their support for Iran's legitimate right to self-defense. He warned against the biased and unconditional backing received by the Zionist regime from certain Western nations, cautioning that such support could erode the credibility and efficacy of international bodies in upholding global order and security.

In his analysis of the current global geopolitical landscape, Ashtiani emphasized the pressing need to grasp the realities of the evolving international order and the emergence of a new global geopolitical paradigm. 

He underscored the intensifying power struggles, especially in military and security domains, the disregard for human rights, the use of double standards in addressing international issues, the exacerbation of geopolitical crises, and the escalation of economic warfare and sanctions by dominant powers as key aspects of the ongoing international transition.

Ashtiani highlighted that many of the crises and conflicts witnessed in recent decades, including those in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Palestine, have been fueled by hegemonic and interventionist policies pursued by Western powers and NATO. 

Ashtiani emphasized the pivotal role played by the SCO in shaping this trajectory, citing its diverse and robust social, cultural, economic, military, and security capabilities, which have positioned it as a major player in international affairs and a reference point for numerous countries worldwide.

The Iranian Defense Minister stressed that terrorism has become a global fundamental issue. He stated, "Given that countering all forms of terrorism and their roots is one of the strategic objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, it is expected that the organization will prioritize serious and practical measures against this phenomenon more than ever before." 

Noting Iran's strategic position and geopolitical capabilities, Ashtiani mentioned that the country can effectively achieve the organization's goals, especially in military and security fields, aligning with other member countries. 

He further stated, "Iran's Armed Forces are fully prepared to expand and deepen defense and military relations with SCO member countries through bilateral and multilateral cooperation, ready to share our counter-terrorism capabilities, knowledge, and experiences with other members."

The Iranian Defense Minister continued, "With joint maritime exercises between Iran and some SCO members such as Russia and China, we hope to establish the Shanghai Maritime Security Belt, transforming the Indian Ocean into an international safe passage." 

He reiterated, "Iran's defensive and security doctrine advocates peace, stability, friendship, and security for neighboring countries and the world. Defense and security cooperation between Iran and the SCO can include combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism through joint exercises, educational collaborations, combating smuggling, preventing illegal migration, addressing information warfare, cybercrime, and more."

On the sidelines of the meeting, Ashtiani met with the defense ministers of China and Russia.

Dong Jun and Sergei Shoigu, representing China and Russia respectively, engaged in discussions with Ashtiani relating to various regional matters.