SCO warns against foreign intervention in Iran amid US strike fears

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization has issued a statement opposing external interference in Iran's internal affairs, calling for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. The bloc expressed serious concern over the protests and blamed unilateral sanctions for worsening the country's economic situation.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a major Eurasian political and security bloc, has formally voiced opposition to foreign interference in Iran amid escalating regional tensions and fears of a potential U.S. military strike. In an official statement released on Friday, the organization expressed "serious concern" over the massive protests inside Iran and extended its condolences to the Iranian people and government, while firmly advocating for a resolution through dialogue.

A Statement of Principle: Sovereignty and Non-Interference

The SCO's declaration strongly reaffirmed its foundational principles of respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. It explicitly opposed "the non-use of force or the threat of force in international relations," a clear reference to the escalating rhetoric from Washington. The organization positioned itself as a champion of a multipolar world order where nations resolve internal crises without external military or political pressure, calling explicitly for a "peaceful resolution of the current situation through political and diplomatic means."

Linking Sanctions to Domestic Unrest

A significant portion of the SCO's critique focused on the impact of international sanctions. The statement argued that "unilateral sanctions have had a significant negative impact on the country’s economic stability, led to a deterioration in living conditions, and objectively limited the ability" of the Iranian government to manage the crisis. This framing directly connects the internal protests, which began on December 28 over economic grievances like soaring inflation and a collapsing currency, to external economic pressure, suggesting that easing sanctions is a prerequisite for stability.

The Geopolitical Context: A Bloc vs. Unilateral Action

The SCO's intervention comes at a critical juncture. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced support for Iranian protesters and previously indicated military action was an option, though he recently suggested a lower likelihood after Iran reportedly halted planned executions. Iran has accused the U.S. and Israel of fomenting unrest. The SCO, whose members include China, Russia, India, and Pakistan, represents a powerful counterweight to Western-led interventionist policies. For nations like Türkiye, which is not an SCO member but shares its emphasis on sovereignty and diplomatic solutions, the statement reflects a growing international consensus against unilateral actions that risk igniting a broader regional conflict.