Iran In The Shanghai Cooperation Organization: Trends And Perspectives

Abstract

Shanghai Cooperation Organization at the anniversary summit of the organization in Dushanbe (September 2021). This is the first time Iran has become a full member of a major regional bloc since the 1979 revolution. This event can be called a diplomatic victory for the new administration of Iranian President Ebrahim Ransi after the June elections in the context of the deteriorating socio-economic situation, the deadlocked negotiations on the nuclear deal in Vienna, the seizure of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan and the threat of destabilization of the situation in the Middle East region and in the world in in general. Joining the SCO has become an important goal for Iran not only to strengthen its positions in the Middle East, but also to expand efforts to overcome international isolation by improving ties with Russia, China and the states of Central Asia, strengthening the international legitimacy of the Islamic Republic and developing the eastern vector of its foreign policy. Getting full membership was perceived by Tehran as a means of strengthening regional relations and the international position of Iran. Shanghai Cooperation Organization at the anniversary summit of the organization in Dushanbe (September 2021). This is the first time Iran has become a full member of a major regional bloc since the 1979 revolution. This event can be called a diplomatic victory for the new administration of Iranian President Ebrahim Ransi after the June elections in the context of the deteriorating socio-economic situation, the deadlocked negotiations on the nuclear deal in Vienna, the seizure of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan and the threat of destabilization of the situation in the Middle East region and in the world in in general. Joining the SCO has become an important goal for Iran not only to strengthen its positions in the Middle East, but also to expand efforts to overcome international isolation by improving ties with Russia, China and the states of Central Asia, strengthening the international legitimacy of the Islamic Republic and developing the eastern vector of its foreign policy. Getting full membership was perceived by Tehran as a means of strengthening regional relations and the international position of Iran.