Iran (IMNA) - Brigadier General Vali Madani, speaking at a Tuesday press conference in Tehran, said the IRGC Ground Force is hosting the five-day drill in Shabestar County, East Azarbaijan Province, with the participation of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members.
According to Madani, Belarus, Iran, India, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are actively participating in the exercise. Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Azerbaijan and Iraq are attending as guests. He added that high-ranking delegations, including 20 security officials, 60 chiefs of staff and 40 commanders of operational units, are present.
Madani underscored the significance of holding the Sahand-2025 exercise shortly after what he described as a 12-day Israeli-imposed war against Iran, noting that the timing gives the drill added strategic importance.
He described the IRGC as “the architect of counter-terrorism in the world,” emphasizing the Corps’ readiness to cooperate with other nations in this field. “Today, terrorism is a global threat without borders,” he said, noting that the exercise aims to enhance commanders’ expertise in counter-terrorism operations, foster synergy among participating states and strengthen collaborative efforts within the SCO framework.
Madani also stressed that regional cooperation through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization holds particular importance for Iran.
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