Islamabad, 15 September (H.S.): The Council of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO RATS) has condemned the recent US military strikes against Iran, reiterating its opposition to military action against the country and stressing the need to de-escalate tensions and restore peace in the region.

According to Türkiye’s state-run Anadolu Agency, the position was expressed on Monday during the 46th meeting of the SCO RATS Council held in Islamabad. Pakistan chaired the meeting. Delegations from Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, along with representatives of the SCO RATS Executive Committee, participated in the meeting.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting discussed current issues related to regional security and the international agenda. The Council condemned the latest military strikes against Iran and reiterated the SCO’s previously expressed position on the issue.

The meeting also conveyed condolences to the families of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the other victims. The Council reiterated its support for Iran’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.

SCO RATS expressed support for efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region, restoring peace and ensuring stability. During the meeting, the chairmanship of the SCO RATS Council was formally handed over from Pakistan to Russia.

According to the report, the United States carried out fresh strikes on Iranian military sites earlier this month. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US-linked facilities in the region, further escalating tensions across the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar