SCO takes landmark stand on nuclear security as Iran comes under renewed attack

At a recent summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) issued a joint statement condemning military strikes on Iran and Western sanctions on some member states. The "Bishkek Declaration" expressed condolences for the death of Iran's Supreme Leader and reaffirmed support for Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, advocating for diplomatic solutions to conflicts. The SCO also condemned Israel's actions in Palestine, calling for a comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian question. Furthermore, the organization opposed "unilateral coercive measures" that violate international law and negatively impact the global economy, while backing Iran's rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty for peaceful nuclear energy development. Economic and energy cooperation was also a significant discussion point.

The United States launched strikes on Iran, citing Iran's targeting of commercial shipping and American service members. These strikes were a response to Iran's alleged targeting of a US military base in Jordan and attempts to add sea mines to the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Israel had previously conducted strikes on Iran, which Iran responded to by attacking US bases and allied states, impacting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. A prior US-Iran agreement to extend a ceasefire expired, leading to renewed hostilities. Both nations have engaged in firing on shipping, with Iran targeting vessels attempting to cross the Strait without permission and the US enforcing a naval blockade. The US also implemented new sanctions against Iran and its allies.

The US launched new airstrikes on Iranian targets on Tuesday, escalating hostilities and quashing hopes of de-escalation following a weekend exchange of fire. These strikes targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites in Iran, including reports of explosions on Qeshm Island and in port cities. The US stated the strikes were in response to recent IRGC attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and against American service members. Iran's president indicated a willingness to reciprocate if the US honored a previous memorandum of understanding, but Iranian officials also issued warnings of military response if oil exports from the Gulf are blocked. The renewed conflict has already impacted oil prices and signals a potential shift back to military action after a period of economic standoff.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) adopted its first dedicated declaration on nuclear safety and security at its 25th anniversary summit in Bishkek on Tuesday. The declaration, agreed upon by leaders of all 10 member states, condemns attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities and outlines practical cooperation measures. It calls for enhanced collaboration on regulation, emergency response, and combating illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. The document also reaffirms that nuclear security responsibility lies with individual states. This landmark stand comes amidst tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program and broader global nuclear governance issues.

Iran is seeking political and diplomatic support from multilateral organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Brics as the United States resumes strikes against it. At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders indirectly referenced Middle East instability, appearing to offer tacit backing for Iran. The summit's Bishkek Declaration explicitly condemned military strikes on Iranian territory, deeming them violations of international law. This comes as the US continues strikes aimed at ending a six-month war.

Oil prices increased and Asian stock markets showed mixed performance on Tuesday due to renewed violence in the Iran war, which has heightened uncertainty. Brent crude rose to $91.23 per barrel after the U.S. attacked Iranian rocket launchers on Sunday, leading to Iran launching missiles at U.S. sites in Jordan. The conflict has impacted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, contributing to sustained high oil prices. In Asian trading, Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell, while Tokyo's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi saw slight gains. U.S. benchmark crude also climbed. Higher energy costs are contributing to inflation, complicating the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy.

Oil prices have risen, with Brent crude topping $91 a barrel, due to renewed Middle East tensions. This escalation follows US strikes on Iran's Larak Island and Iranian attacks on two US bases in Jordan over the weekend. US President Donald Trump stated his intention to respond forcefully to Tehran's actions. Additionally, a tanker was struck by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route. Oil prices have been volatile since a US-Iran ceasefire expired in mid-August, impacting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles a significant portion of global oil supplies.

Iran has attacked US bases in Jordan and military assets in the UAE in retaliation for US strikes on two Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The US stated it took precise action against launchers posing an imminent threat of naval mine deployment. Iran claims the US attack caused casualties and violated its sovereignty, while the US Central Command asserts Iran created the threat that was then eliminated. Jordan's army reported intercepting eight Iranian missiles. Iranian media also reported their air defenses intercepted an American drone over the Strait of Hormuz.

The US and Iran have exchanged fire after a month-long lull, with the US striking Iranian rocket launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, citing intelligence of planned mine deployments. In response, Iran targeted US military bases in Jordan and intercepted a drone over the UAE. President Trump threatened further action against Iran, which he described as a "failed nation." The US aims to loosen Iran's control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy supply route. Iran claimed US attacks killed three soldiers and wounded two citizens, while the US stated its missiles in Jordan were intercepted. The extent of US control over the strait is contested, with shipping volumes significantly lower than during a previous ceasefire period.

The US has reportedly conducted a drone strike on Iranian launchers on Larak Island, which Iran claims resulted in civilian casualties and is the first known US attack on Iran since late July. This incident follows a period of heightened tensions, including US President Trump's assertion that Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz had been neutralized. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister dismissed these claims as propaganda. The strike occurs amidst renewed US sanctions targeting Iran, which Iranian officials have largely characterized as a continuation of existing economic measures. The article also references a broader conflict that began on February 28th, involving strikes by the US and Israel on Iran, and Iran's retaliatory actions, which impacted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US military struck Iranian military targets on Larak Island on August 31, 2026, claiming it was to prevent Iran from using rockets to deploy sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz. US officials stated they observed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) preparing to launch rockets carrying mines. Iran condemned the strikes as aggression and retaliated with attacks on two US army bases in Jordan. While some analysts deem the use of rockets for mine-laying implausible due to potential damage to the mines upon impact, Iran has previously advertised its ability to use its Fajr-5 Multiple Launch Rocket System for this purpose during naval exercises. Traditionally, sea mines are deployed by specialized vessels or aircraft.