Iran launches five-day SCO counterterrorism drill in East Azerbaijan

On December 1, Iran launched a five-day joint counterterrorism exercise with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member and observer states in East Azerbaijan province, bringing foreign contingents to the Imam Zaman Mechanized Brigade base near Shabestar, northwest of Tabriz. Officials describe the Sahand-2025 drill as a strategic readiness exercise aimed at strengthening regional security cooperation.

The exercise is led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces. SCO’s Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) director, Olarbek Sharshiev, confirmed that invitations were sent to SCO members and observers in October, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.

Designed under directives from Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, with input from the foreign ministry and the SCO’s anti-terrorism body, Sahand-2025 follows a similar all-member counterterrorism drill conducted in Xinjiang in 2024. Officials say the exercise aims to enhance intelligence-sharing, interdiction, and rapid response to cross-border militant networks. Scenarios reportedly include joint pursuit of terrorist cells and trafficking rings, coordinated through SCO intelligence channels.

The Shabestar area, near the borders with Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Nakhchivan exclave, has historically been used by smuggling networks and armed groups. While neither Tehran nor the SCO released full participant rosters or unit counts, Iranian media noted that details on live-fire exercises and participating units would be disclosed throughout the week.

Iranian officials emphasized the exercise’s focus on countering “terrorism, separatism, and extremism,” aligned with the SCO’s longstanding “Three Evils” mandate. Security analysts note the northwest region’s history of activity by groups Tehran designates as terrorist, including the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), as well as smuggling routes for fuel, narcotics, and arms across the South Caucasus.

Since Iran became a full SCO member in 2023, the country’s engagement with the bloc has deepened. Tehran used the July 2025 SCO ministerial in China to strengthen ties with Russia and China, highlighting the SCO’s expanding security role beyond Central Asia.

By Vafa Guliyeva