Iran Set To Engage Chinese And Russian Officials

Iran has announced plans to meet separately with China and Russia on the sidelines of an upcoming summit hosted by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), as it seeks regional backing in the aftermath of last month’s 12-day military confrontation with Israel.

“We will have bilateral meetings with the Chinese foreign minister, which naturally has its own importance in the current situation, as well as with the Russian foreign minister,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Telegram.

The diplomatic gathering, hosted in Tianjin in northern China, marks the 25th meeting of SCO foreign ministers. The SCO is a regional alliance composed of 10 member states, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran, with a focus on political, economic, and security cooperation.

Back in June, Israeli and U.S. forces conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear-related targets, alleging the facilities were part of a weapons development programme. Iran has consistently rejected these claims, maintaining that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes.

Iran’s foreign partnerships with China and Russia have grown significantly, especially following renewed sanctions imposed by the United States during Donald Trump’s administration. These alliances have been cemented through long-term strategic agreements: a 20-year deal with Moscow, and strong trade ties with Beijing, which currently purchases the vast majority of Iran’s oil exports.

“The SCO is gradually opening up its place in the global arena, meaning it is gradually going beyond the regional arena, and it has many different issues on its agenda, including in the economic, political and security fields,” Araqchi wrote.