According to Mehr News Agency, Ali Heidari, director of the Revolutionary Guards Political Research Center, wrote that the Sahand 2025 joint counter-terrorism exercise currently underway in Iran’s East Azarbaijan province is more than just a military exercise. The exercise, which comes on the heels of Iran’s decisive defense in the 12-day war, sends a multi-layered strategic message to the region and the world across political, security and economic domains.
The main phase of the operation lasts three days, during which live ammunition is used. The drill was the first field exercise of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) hosted by Iran, and elevated the country from a new member state to a central strategic partner within the alliance.
The Revolutionary Guards Ground Forces, which serve as the main actors and organizers, are responsible for the design and implementation of operations, emphasizing their role as “counterterrorism architects.” Advanced technologies such as self-destructing micro-aircraft (MAV) were also showcased.
Ten SCO members – Belarus, Iran, India, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan – are participating, along with guest countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Azerbaijan, reflecting the broad mobilization around the event.
East Azarbaijan Oblast was strategically chosen as the location where three important corridors intersect: the North-South International Corridor, the energy transport route from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf, and the connection to the Caucasus and Central Asia. Holding the exercises here shows Iran’s readiness to secure important economic and civilizational routes against terrorism.
The timing, coming on the heels of Iran’s success in the 12-day war, highlights Iran’s military readiness in the evolving regional situation. Sahand 2025 aims to present an independent Eastern definition of terrorism, going beyond military aspects, rejecting Western distinctions between “good” and “bad” terrorist groups, and highlighting Iran’s practical counterterrorism experience.
The training also promises broader impact. It would strengthen security trust between Iran and South African countries, pave the way for larger economic agreements, accelerate projects such as the North-South Corridor, showcase Iranian defense technology, and emphasize geopolitical cohesion in the East beyond Western influence.
Sahand 2025 will be a turning point in Iran’s defense and security diplomacy. Beyond joint exercises, it asserts Iran’s central role in a strong Eastern coalition, its readiness to ensure regional security, the formation of an independent security discourse based on common interests, and establishes Iran as an active player in the new security order in the East.
MNA/3462766