Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has proposed the creation of a Shanghai Regional Security Forum under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), aimed at strengthening collective action against terrorism, extremism, cybercrime, and organized criminal networks. Speaking at the SCO Foreign Ministers’ summit in Tianjin attended by top officials from Russia, Pakistan, and other member states—Araghchi emphasized the urgent need for permanent coordination between the defense and intelligence agencies of SCO countries to confront rapidly evolving security threats.
“Terrorism and cyberattacks are no longer isolated incidents; they are part of a coordinated assault on regional stability,” Araghchi stated. “Only a unified, institutional response can effectively protect our nations.” He also drew attention to devastating cross-border attacks that have killed more than 6,850 civilians, including women and children, calling them a serious breach of international law and a stark reminder of the cost of inaction. Araghchi urged the international community to recognize the humanitarian consequences of such acts of violence.
The Iranian foreign minister said the proposed security forum would serve as a platform for strategic cooperation, intelligence sharing, and rapid response mechanisms against shared threats, reinforcing the SCO’s role as a guarantor of peace and stability in the region.
As regional tensions grow, Iran’s proposal signals its intent to lead a new era of multilateral security cooperation. The Shanghai Regional Security Forum, if adopted, could become a cornerstone of collective defense strategy in Eurasia. Araghchi concluded by urging SCO members to act decisively: “We must rise to meet the challenges of our time—together, with strength, coordination, and unwavering resolve.”
