Russian Defense Minister meets Iranian counterpart, mentions ‘direct threat’

During the above meeting, Minister Shoigu said that Russia is ready to expand military and technical cooperation with Iran, according to RIA News Agency. Mr. Shoigu emphasized that the relationship between the two countries’ military agencies has increased significantly recently.

The meeting took place when the two ministers attended the conference of defense ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in the capital Astana (Kazakhstan), according to Reuters. SCO is a cooperative organization consisting of Russia, India, China, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Also at the SCO meeting, Mr. Shoigu said that Russia and its allies in Asia should expand joint exercises because they face a direct threat from US efforts to expand their security influence. security in the area, according to Reuters.

“I believe that everyone present shared the same view that the deployment of military infrastructure by the US and its allies in the region is unacceptable. Such intentions must be considered a threat.” directly threatens stability in the SCO space,” Mr. Shoigu said.

Mr. Shoigu’s speech also emphasized Russia’s intention to strengthen military ties with partners in Asia and counter any erosion of its influence in the region.

Mr Shoigu said that the main threat in Central Asia comes from “extremist terrorist groups in Afghanistan”. He said that the US is trying to restore influence in the region after withdrawing troops from Afghanistan in 2021.