The SCO summit has just opened in Bishkek. The appearance of Iranian President Pezeshkian was expected by the outside world to be a "plea for help" rally, but he didn't utter a single word about "rescue."
Just before Pezeshkian's departure, U.S. forces had launched airstrikes on southern Iran, and Iran retaliated with missile strikes on U.S. military bases, reigniting tensions between the two countries. Meanwhile, the United States intensified economic sanctions—Trump announced the "toughest economic measures," while Treasury Secretary Bessent initiated an "economic isolation" plan.
Yet at the summit, Pezeshkian said not a word about "rescue." Instead, he emphasized local currency settlement, cross-border payment systems, and the establishment of an SCO Development Bank. This wasn't due to ignorance—it's because he clearly understands: the SCO has never been a military alliance, does not target third parties, and doesn’t sell protection umbrellas.
Then, what is his purpose? Not to fight—but to break the deadlock. Through the SCO, Iran can secure three tangible benefits:
First, voice and influence. In the past, Iran was consistently marginalized in international discourse by Western powers. Now, the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has publicly condemned the military strikes against Iran. Iran’s voice is no longer isolated—it has become part of the collective consensus within the organization.
Second, alternative financial channels. With the dollar cut off and oil sales constrained, Iran has now directly proposed bypassing the dollar, expanding local currency settlements, and establishing a financial mechanism resilient to sanctions. If this path succeeds, America’s economic stranglehold will be significantly loosened.
Third, logistics corridors. The China-Iran railway is already operating on a regular bidirectional basis, and the Chabahar Port will soon be integrated into the national rail network. While the U.S. can blockade sea routes, it cannot stop the trans-Central Asian rail lines. Iran is using land-based transport to counterbalance maritime blockades.
Before departing, Pezeshkian declared: “We do not seek war, but we will respond decisively.” This statement was aimed not only at the United States but also at SCO partners: Iran isn’t coming to beg for charity. It has clear red lines and countermeasures—it’s a partner worthy of equal footing.
He specifically emphasized that the SCO is a "symbol of diverse and independent voices." This characterization is precise: Iran seeks equal cooperation, not handouts.
Pezeshkian’s posture is crystal clear: he doesn’t seek others to fight on his behalf—he only wants to find a way forward within the framework. This trip to Bishkek is not about "calling for reinforcements," but about "laying pipelines." Amid the geopolitical squeeze between the U.S. and Iran, this may well be Iran’s most pragmatic move at present.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1875092019492107/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.