Iran’s Entry into SCO on US Independence Day Not A Coincidence: Russian Expert

Iran has become a full member of the SCO, as stated in the adopted declaration following the organization's online summit in Delhi.

Vitaly Danilov, Director of the Center for Applied Analysis of International Transformations at the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, highlighted the significance of Iran's acceptance into the organization on the United States' Independence Day, stating, "July 4th is the United States' Independence Day. And it is not a coincidence that Iran's acceptance into this organization takes place on this date. Our Iranian friends requested this.”

“The confrontation between Iran and the United States has been going on for over 40 years, and I wanted to emphasize that Iran’s relations with the US does not define its relationship with the whole world. Iran has a very ancient civilization and is one of the oldest civilizations. Therefore, the United States, which is only a little over 200 years old, does not have the right to compete with Iran. Thus, Tehran has removed Washington from the game. Delhi, Moscow, and Beijing, in general, did not object to this because we are all building a multi-polar home together. Iran's acceptance into our common family, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, is a great achievement and contribution to our common ideals," Danilov told Sputnik.

Danilov further emphasized the importance of Iran's accession to the SCO, particularly within the framework of the North-South project. He noted that geopolitical realities have necessitated adjustments to logistic routes, with the Western transport corridor currently closed and the Eastern corridor and Azov-Black Sea route overwhelmed by the existing flow of goods.

Danilov expressed optimism regarding the North-South international transport corridor, stating, "When its infrastructure is established, an economic boom in trade between our countries will occur. This year, the volume of transportation along the corridor has doubled. There is much greater potential for growth that will expand through the implementation of development projects, especially the modernization of transport and logistics infrastructure in Iran and Russia."

Almira Imam Quliyeva, a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Global Economy and International Affairs at the Russian Higher School of Economics, highlighted Iran's important role in regional cooperation and the desire to strengthen Iran-Russia relations. Quliyeva acknowledged China's support in maintaining close trade and economic ties with Iran despite sanctions. She affirmed that interaction with Iran will continue at its current level and expand.

Quliyeva further emphasized, "Joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will contribute to the establishment of trade, economic relations, and commercial exchanges. But these are processes that have already begun. The approval of Iran's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be a political step demonstrating the member states' willingness to further increase interactions with Iran."