SCO condemns strikes on Iran, backs Palestine settlement, opposes unilateral sanctions: Key takeaways

**Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Issues Bishkek Declaration Condemning Strikes on Iran and Supporting Palestinian Settlement**

*Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – 2 September 2026* – At the 26th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State, held in Bishkek from 31 August to 1 September, the member states adopted the “Bishkek Declaration.” The document outlines the bloc’s positions on a range of geopolitical and economic issues, including the recent military strikes on Iranian territory, the Palestinian question, Afghanistan’s political future, and unilateral economic measures.

**Condemnation of Military Strikes on Iran**

The declaration states that SCO members “express deep concern over developments in the Middle East and around Iran” and “condemn military strikes on Iranian territory that resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to the country’s economy.” The statement adds that such actions “violate the principles and norms of international law and the UN Charter” and pose “serious risks to international peace, security and stability.” The SCO also offered condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

**Support for a Palestinian Settlement**

Regarding the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, the declaration affirms that a “comprehensive and just settlement of the Palestinian question” is the only viable path to lasting peace and stability in West Asia. The SCO reiterated its support for diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving such a settlement.

**Afghanistan Governance**

The declaration calls for the formation of an “inclusive government with broad participation of representatives of all ethno‑political groups of Afghan society” as the sole means to secure lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. SCO members reaffirmed their commitment to an independent, neutral, and peaceful Afghanistan free from terrorism, war, and illicit drug trafficking.

**Opposition to Unilateral Coercive Measures**

SCO leaders opposed “unilateral coercive economic measures” that contravene the UN Charter, international law, and World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. They argued that such measures undermine international security, including food, energy, and humanitarian sectors, and negatively affect the global economy.

**Nuclear Non‑Proliferation and Peaceful Use of Atomic Energy**

The declaration reaffirmed the SCO’s support for Iran’s rights under the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and emphasized the “inalienable right” of member states to develop, produce, and use atomic energy for peaceful purposes. The document noted that restrictive measures in this field are contrary to international law.

**Economic Cooperation and Trade**

The SCO pledged to continue implementing its Economic Development Strategy through 2030, aiming to deepen economic cooperation, expand trade, and stabilize production and supply chains across the region. The declaration highlighted the role of e‑commerce in facilitating trade and announced plans to improve cross‑border e‑commerce infrastructure, reduce costs, and enhance consumer protection.

**Security and Counter‑Terrorism**

Member states reaffirmed their commitment to combating “terrorism, separatism, and extremism,” condemning double standards in counter‑terrorism efforts. The declaration referenced the consensus adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and announced the operational launch of the “Universal Center for Countering Security Challenges and Threats” in Tashkent, which will house specialized centers for information security and anti‑drug coordination.

**Information and Space Security**

The SCO expressed concern over the “militarization of information and communication technologies (ICT)” and opposed unauthorized satellite internet services that lack national licensing, deeming them violations of international telecommunication law. The declaration also called for a legally binding international instrument to prevent an arms race in outer space and condemned the “unlimited buildup of global missile defence systems” by individual states.

**Cultural Dialogue**

The declaration welcomed India’s proposal to hold a “Forum of Civilizations” under the SCO’s auspices in the fall of 2026, emphasizing the importance of intercivilizational and intercultural dialogue to promote mutual respect and preserve cultural heritage.

**Summit Leadership and Membership**

The Bishkek Declaration was signed by the heads of state of the ten SCO members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and the Kyrgyz Republic. The summit also featured Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping among the signatories. The SCO, founded in 2001, currently includes two observer states (Afghanistan and Mongolia) and fifteen dialogue partners.

Article and image source: iranherald.com