Iran's defense minister seeks military collaboration with China

Iran experienced a tense military conflict with Israel, culminating in a significant 12-day clash that involved aerial assaults and prompted U.S. intervention, with strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Following this conflict, Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran's defense minister, embarked on his first foreign trip to China, highlighting the importance Tehran places on its diplomatic and economic relationship with Beijing. During his visit, he participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's defense ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China, alongside Russia, where issues of global security were the central topic. This gathering not only showcased China's rising role as a global player but also emphasized the strategic alignment of countries opposing U.S. policies. The event underscored the dynamics within the SCO, formed in 2001 to bolster security among its members, including nations like India and Pakistan, and aimed at counterbalancing U.S. influence in the region. As defense chiefs discussed military cooperation and regional stability amidst rising geopolitical tensions, Nasirzadeh expressed gratitude to China for its support of Iran's stance against perceived aggression. Overall, the discussions reflected a broader shift in international alliances, with countries in the SCO positioning themselves in opposition to U.S. unilateralism and advocating for a new world order.