SCO takes landmark stand on nuclear security as Iran faces renewed attacks

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation has issued its first standalone declaration on nuclear safety and security, condemning attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities as tensions continue around Iran’s nuclear programme.

Leaders of all 10 member states adopted the document at the bloc’s 25th anniversary summit in Bishkek. The members are China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus.

The declaration calls for stronger cooperation on nuclear regulation, emergency response and efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of nuclear materials. At the same time, it says responsibility for nuclear security rests entirely with each state and reaffirms members’ right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Zhu Yongbiao, director of the Centre for Afghanistan Studies at Lanzhou University, identified several factors behind the declaration. China and Russia have long supported deeper cooperation, while Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are expanding civilian nuclear programmes and need stronger safety frameworks. Iran’s full membership in the organisation since 2023 has also added weight to the issue.

The declaration places the bloc’s members on record against attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities while setting out practical areas for cooperation. It also links the organisation’s regional concerns to broader questions about global nuclear governance.