The defense ministers of China and Iran have agreed on closer cooperation on the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), being held in Kazakhstan.
Iran’s Defense Minister, Brig. Gen. Mohammed-Reza Ashtiani, said: “Improved cooperation and rapprochement on both sides is needed to resolve regional and international security problems.”
He spoke after talks with China’s Admiral Dong Jun in Astana, the Kazakh capital.
Tehran joined the SCO last year and later became part of BRICS with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
China is now Iran’s top oil buyer, and they signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021.
Meanwhile, Russia expressed readiness to expand military and technical ties with Iran, with more communication between their military offices.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu was quoted by Russian media telling Ashtiani during a meeting on Friday that Moscow is prepared to expand military and technical cooperation with Iran.
The agency reported Shoigu as saying that communication between the military administrations of both countries has significantly increased recently.
Also, Moscow and Tehran signed a security deal after talks in St. Petersburg.
Russia’s increased activity in the region comes amidst rising tensions, including between Iran and the West, following recent strikes between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
The security deal strengthens the alliance between Russia and Iran, focusing on practical security cooperation.
In Tehran, Friday prayer leader Ahmad Khatami warned Israel of a “fresh slap,” with the Tasnim news agency quoting him as saying that Iran’s response to Israel would be punishing.
After recent attacks attributed to Israel in Iran, officials close to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei emphasized that Iran could respond even more strongly if Israel continues its attacks.
On his part, Ashtiani described Iran’s response as a “limited warning.”
He stressed that Iran seeks to avoid escalating the conflict and doesn’t want war or increased tension in the region. Ashtiani warned that any reckless aggression from enemies will be met with a suitable and painful response.
