At the outset of his remarks, Aref thanked the government and people of Tajikistan for hosting the meeting and commended the SCO secretary-general and his colleagues for facilitating the gathering.
He emphasized that a sustainable response to shared economic threats cannot be limited to condemnation, arguing that member states must instead strengthen their economic capacities and expand practical cooperation.
In this regard, Aref outlined Iran’s proposals to accelerate the establishment of an independent development bank, establish an energy consortium, expand trade using national currencies, and develop transit corridors.
Addressing the consequences of the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran on February 28, the Iranian vice president referred to the deaths of more than 157 schoolchildren at Minab Elementary School, stressing that education is a fundamental human right.
Aref stated that the United States and Israel had violated international law, the United Nations Charter, and international humanitarian law during their military aggression against Iran.
He added that the attacks killed Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and schoolchildren on the first day, while also claiming the lives of numerous other innocent civilians. Residential, educational, and medical facilities, along with infrastructure, were also targeted, he said.
The vice president further stated that Iran’s Armed Forces and its united people had inflicted a heavy defeat on the aggressors.
Aref expressed appreciation to the SCO and its member states for condemning the aggressors and the armed attacks, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
He also welcomed cultural and humanitarian engagement within the organization, highlighting the need to strengthen cooperation on humanitarian issues.
The remarks come amid heightened US military activity in West Asia and increasingly hostile rhetoric by American officials against the Islamic Republic.
Tehran has repeatedly warned that US bases and naval assets across the region would be targeted in response to any renewed aggression against Iranian territory.
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