Speaking at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on Tuesday, Aref said the international system is facing unprecedented challenges due to unilateral actions by some countries.

The official added that the US and Israel have violated fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter, threatening regional and global peace and security.

Aref stressed that attacks on civilian infrastructure, educational and medical facilities, economic installations, and peaceful nuclear facilities under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency set a dangerous precedent for international security.

He noted that Iran has exercised its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, while emphasizing that Tehran prefers peace to confrontation.

The Iranian vice president also called for stronger economic cooperation among SCO member states, including increased use of national currencies in trade, closer banking connectivity, independent payment mechanisms, and the establishment of an SCO development bank.

Aref emphasized that Iran is ready to contribute actively to joint economic, financial, and infrastructure initiatives, stressing that greater cooperation, connectivity, and economic resilience are essential to addressing regional and global challenges.

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