By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization's regional anti-terrorism body on Monday condemned what it described as new military attacks against Iran and reaffirmed support for Tehran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, according to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

The 46th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO RATS) was held in Islamabad under Pakistan's chairmanship.

Delegations from Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan attended the meeting, along with representatives of the SCO RATS Executive Committee.

The council discussed regional security issues and efforts to strengthen cooperation among member states against terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The council condemned the latest military attacks against Iran and reiterated the SCO's previously stated position on the issue.

It also expressed condolences to the Iranian government and people over the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as to the families of those killed.

The council reaffirmed support for Iran's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity and backed efforts to de-escalate tensions, restore peace and promote regional stability.

The meeting also reviewed implementation of earlier SCO RATS decisions aimed at improving coordination among the security and law-enforcement agencies of member states.

The council approved work plans for the SCO RATS Executive Committee and expert groups dealing with what the organization calls the "three forces of evil" — terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Member states agreed to strengthen their information infrastructure to improve the exchange of information and coordination in counter-terrorism efforts.

They also agreed to organize several joint activities in 2027, including an information operation against terrorism, a practical seminar on preventing the use of the internet for terrorist, separatist and extremist purposes, and a joint counter-terrorism exercise focused on detecting and preventing the online activities of extremist and terrorist groups.

A 13th international scientific and practical conference on cooperation against terrorism, separatism and extremism will also be held in Kazakhstan.

The meeting additionally addressed staffing and organizational issues concerning the SCO RATS Executive Committee.

- Russia takes over chairmanship

At the conclusion of the meeting, the chairmanship of the SCO RATS Council formally passed from Pakistan to Russia.

The next meeting of the council will be held at the SCO RATS Executive Committee's headquarters in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The SCO RATS meeting comes as the wider region faces heightened security tensions and growing concerns over terrorism, extremist networks and the use of digital platforms for militant recruitment and propaganda.