TEHRAN – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has urged the full implementation of the landmark long-term deal between Iran and China, known as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.

“Iran and China, as ancient civilizations on Asia’s eastern and western wings, not only possess profound historical foundations but also hold transformative power to reshape regional and even global landscapes. Fully implementing all aspects of the two countries’ strategic cooperation agreement will undoubtedly lay a solid foundation for this process,” Ayatollah Khamenei stated, according to a post on the Leader’s official X account on Sunday.

Later on Sunday, Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, Iran’s ambassador to China, praised Ayatollah Khamenei’s message as a significant encouragement.

“The hopeful and inspiring message from the Leader about putting into action the various transformative aspects of the Iran-China strategic agreement marks a milestone in supporting and strengthening the focused efforts of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s representatives in China,” Rahmani Fazli emphasized.

The historic 25-year agreement, signed in Tehran in March 2021, aims to deepen the longstanding economic and political alliance between Iran and China, especially in the face of unilateral US sanctions targeting both nations. The deal outlines extensive cooperation across political, cultural, security, defense, regional, and international domains. Its origins trace back to a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tehran in 2016, highlighting the steady growth of Tehran-Beijing ties.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have repeatedly highlighted the “strategic” nature of the partnership between Tehran and Beijing, reinforcing the importance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement.

Ayatollah Khamenei’s call for full implementation of the 25-year deal carries even greater weight amid President Pezeshkian’s recent visit to China. The Iranian president arrived in China on Sunday to attend the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in the port city of Tianjin. The summit, hosted by President Xi, gathers leaders from over 20 countries and 10 international organizations, marking the SCO’s largest meeting since its establishment more than two decades ago. 

Founded in Shanghai in 2001, the SCO has grown from six founding members to a powerful bloc of 26 nations, including 10 full members such as Iran, two observers, and 14 dialogue partners spanning Asia, Europe, and Africa. Iran officially joined the SCO as a full member in 2023.

The SCO now represents over 40 percent of the world’s population and nearly a quarter of the global economy. For Iran, membership in the SCO is a strategic asset that mitigates the impact of years of US-led sanctions. Beyond economic benefits, the SCO enhances Iran’s geopolitical standing.

Conversely, Iran’s inclusion enriches the SCO’s reach in the Middle East, a critical region for global security and stability.

Embracing Iran strengthens the organization’s foundational principles, known as the “Shanghai Spirit,” which emphasize mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. These principles align seamlessly with the SCO’s mission to promote multilateral economic cooperation and address key regional security challenges.

China’s role within this framework is particularly vital. As a champion of multilateralism, China actively opposes the unilateralism exemplified by US policies and leads efforts to elevate the voices of Global South countries on the international stage.

The full implementation of the Iran-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, as strongly underscored by Iran’s Leader, represents far more than a bilateral deal—it is a bold and visionary blueprint to reshape regional dynamics and global governance. 

Anchored in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, this partnership stands as a beacon of hope and strength, paving the way for a more balanced, multipolar world order where Iran and China lead together toward shared prosperity and enduring peace.