SCO slams attacks, sanctions on Iran: Key takeaways from Bishkek summit

What Happened

At a two-day summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) signed the Bishkek Declaration, which formally condemned military strikes against Iran and Western-imposed sanctions. The declaration characterized US and Israeli military actions against Iran as violations of international law and the UN Charter, while also expressing support for Iran's right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The document further called for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question to ensure regional stability.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Bishkek Declaration signals a significant diplomatic alignment among major powers, including China, Russia, India, and Pakistan, against the current US and Israeli military and economic pressure campaign on Iran. By framing the conflict as a violation of international law and explicitly supporting Iran's nuclear rights, the SCO is positioning itself as a counterweight to Western-led sanctions regimes and security policies in West Asia.

Watch For

Monitor the implementation of the SCO Economic Development Strategy and Energy Cooperation Strategy to 2030, which aim to bypass maritime trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, observe whether this collective diplomatic stance leads to increased bilateral economic or military cooperation between SCO members and Iran to mitigate the impact of ongoing sanctions.