Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran on Monday morning to attend the 2026 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Bishkek. Before leaving for Kyrgyzstan, the president delivered a firm diplomatic message regarding escalating regional security tensions. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic remains opposed to military conflict across the Middle East. However, Pezeshkian warned international powers that any direct aggression against Iranian territory would trigger an immediate response.
The presidential address follows major regional military escalations involving American forces and Iranian defense assets. Recent defense reports documented military strikes on Larak Island, alongside counterattacks targeting military installations in Jordan. Pezeshkian noted that continued instability along vital economic corridors damages commercial prosperity across neighboring countries. Therefore, regional governments must pursue constructive security cooperation to ensure long-term stability and economic growth.
The Kyrgyz capital is hosting global leaders for the high-profile diplomatic gathering of SCO member states this week. Pezeshkian is expected to meet with foreign heads of state, including leaders from Russia, China, and India. Diplomatic teams plan to discuss economic partnerships, trade mechanisms, and security strategies to address external pressures. Furthermore, Tehran continues to use international forums to oppose foreign military presence in strategic waterways.
Iranian officials view active participation in regional organizations as an essential pillar of the country’s foreign policy. During the summit, delegates will discuss multilateral trade frameworks, digital infrastructure, and joint economic development. Analysts expect Pezeshkian to hold separate bilateral talks to strengthen strategic partnerships during his visit. Moving forward, the Iranian government plans to maintain active diplomacy while preserving its defense capabilities.