The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary-General Norlan Yerkembayev has strongly condemned the recent terrorist and subversive activities in Tehran and other Iranian cities, which were exploited during peaceful protests.

Yerkembayev on Thursday expressed deep sympathy with the government, people of Iran, and the families of the victims of the recent unrest, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

In a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Yerkembayev discussed regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and cooperation among nations in addressing terrorism and external interference.

During the conversation, Araghchi outlined the recent events in Iran, explaining how peaceful protests were hijacked by trained terrorist elements.

He stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran would defend its national sovereignty and the security of its citizens from terrorism supported by the Zionist regime and the United States.

Araghchi also expressed gratitude for the SCO secretary-general’s stance in condemning terrorism and foreign meddling in Iran’s internal affairs. He reiterated the collective responsibility of all countries to cooperate in preventing and countering terrorism.

Yerkembayev further emphasized the common position shared by SCO member states, advocating for respect for national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, equality, mutual benefits, and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.

He highlighted that these principles form the basis of stable international relations, alongside a commitment to refrain from the use of force or threats of force in international affairs.

The SCO is one of the largest and most influential multinational alliances in the world, accounting for nearly half of the world’s population and over 20% of global GDP.

With China and Russia at its core, it plays a pivotal role in shaping regional security, economic integration, and geopolitical strategy across Asia and beyond.

The condemnation follows a series of international contacts pouring in the wake of the riots, with independent countries expressing solidarity with Iran.

Earlier Thursday, Swiss National Security Adviser Gabriel Lüscher held a phone call with Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani to discuss bilateral relations and the latest regional developments.

In the conversation, Larijani highlighted Switzerland’s constructive role in resolving tensions and its positive history in peacefully addressing crises.

He stressed that while Iran welcomes Switzerland’s positive approach, the Islamic Republic will not remain passive in the face of threatening rhetoric from the United States.

Lüscher reaffirmed Switzerland’s full readiness to play a constructive role in reducing current tensions.

Notably, Larijani was among several key Iranian officials sanctioned by the US on Thursday, as part of new measures targeting Iranian officials. The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Larijani and other officials, citing what it called their involvement in confronting rioters.

Scott Bassett, US Treasury Secretary under President Donald Trump, stated that the sanctions were imposed by the orders of President Donald Trump, whose threat to “shoot at Iran” in support of protests incited violence as rioters ran amok and wreaked havoc in several cities. 

The sanctions also affected other Iranian figures, including Mohammadreza Hashemi Far, a police official in Lorestan province, and military commanders in Fars and Lorestan.

Despite the sanctions, Switzerland remains among the countries maintaining diplomatic communication with Iran, emphasizing its role as a neutral mediator in the complex relationship between Iran and the West.

Al Masirah report