TEHRAN – Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) ground forces are hosting a large-scale joint counterterrorism exercise conducted by Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.
The exercise titled “Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise Sahand-2025” is being conducted from December 1 to 5 in Iran’s northwestern East Azarbaijan province. According to the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, the exercise is extremely important.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been at the center of the fight against terrorism and terrorist groups, and more than 17,000 of our compatriots, namely women and children, were killed by terrorists,” the commander said.
SCO member states held their first joint counter-terrorism practical training in China in July 2024. According to China’s Ministry of Public Security, the “Interaction 2024” exercise was held in northwestern Xinjiang. It featured special operations aimed at “eradicating terrorist groups” and set new standards for joint field exercises.
The SCO is a regional intergovernmental organization founded in 2001, covering approximately 60% of the Eurasian region and 40% of the world’s population, making it the largest regional organization in terms of geographic coverage and population. The SCO is made up of eight countries: China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, and their combined GDP accounts for approximately 20% of the world’s GDP. The organization’s main objective is to promote political, security, economic and cultural cooperation, with its permanent secretariat in Beijing, China, and affiliated organizations such as the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorism Organization (RATS) and the SCO Business Council.
The history of the SCO dates back to the Shanghai Five, which was established in 1996 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan and focused on mutual trust in the military field in border regions. Uzbekistan joined the organization in 2001, transforming the Shanghai Five into the SCO, initially focusing on mutual efforts within the region to curb terrorism, separatism, and extremism in Central Asia. The SCO Charter, signed in 2002, is the basic constituent document that outlines the organization’s objectives, principles, structure, and main areas of activity.
Iran officially became a member of the SCO in 2023, following observer status since 2005. As a full member, Iran contributes to the goals and activities of the SCO, particularly in promoting regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Iran’s membership in the SCO is important due to its strategic location, rich resources, and large population, making it an indispensable presence in the regional situation.
The SCO also emphasizes economic cooperation among member countries and aims to strengthen joint energy projects, such as oil and gas exploration, water resource utilization, and joint project financing through the SCO interbank consortium. Cultural cooperation is also a priority, with Ministers of Culture meeting regularly to strengthen cultural exchanges between member countries.