On 14 January 2026, SCO Secretary-General Nurlan Yermekbayev held a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi.
On behalf of the SCO Secretariat staff and on his personal behalf Nurlan Yermekbayev expressed deep condolences over the loss of life and injuries sustained in Iran between 8 and 10 January 2026. Nurlan Yermekbayev also wished resilience and patience to the families of the deceased and a speedy recovery to the injured.
The Secretary-General recalled the positions of the SCO member states that the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity of states, equality, mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and the non-use of force or threat of force constitute the foundation for the sustainable development of international relations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran Abbas Araghchi shared his assessment of the situation in his country, thanked the SCO Secretary-General for his sympathy and his wishes for a speedy normalization of the situation. The Minister expressed hope for the solidarity and support of the SCO member states for the people of Iran.