Iran Becomes Full Member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization

What’s new: Iran has officially joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, becoming the group’s ninth permanent member, as the regional economic and security bloc continues promoting the assent of new members.

Iran’s accession was announced Tuesday during a virtual meeting of SCO Heads of State Council. It is the first addition in six years.

At a flag-raising ceremony for the new member held at the SCO Secretariat in Beijing, the organization’s secretary-general Zhang Ming congratulated Iran and said the nation’s formal membership will be conducive to maintaining regional security and stability, enhancing mutual trust and deepening cooperation among member states, according to a statement.