IRGC Ready to Share Counter-Terrorism Experience

According to Khabaronline, an Iranian news agency, The main phase of the “Sahand 2025” joint anti-terrorism exercise commenced Thursday morning, with military delegations from SCO countries paying tribute to the fallen.

IRGC Chief Major General Mohammad Pakpour welcomed commanders, officials, and high-ranking guests from both SCO member and non-member states, describing their presence in Iran as “a source of pride” and a symbol of “deep strategic cooperation among the organization’s members.”

Highlighting the extensive participation of military and security delegations, Pakpour particularly acknowledged General Sharashov, head of the SCO Anti-Terrorist Structure Executive Committee, and his accompanying team.

At the opening ceremony, the IRGC chief stressed the importance of honoring the memory of people who fought terrorism and paid tribute to the fallen senior commanders during the 12-day war.

Referencing the regional context following the recent 12-day conflict, Major General Pakpour stated that despite pressures and threats, Iran remains committed to strengthening regional and international cooperation with a strategic perspective and national determination.

He described Iran’s role in the SCO as “active, responsible, and grounded in constructive participation in collective security” and noted that senior political and military leaders have entrusted the IRGC, particularly its Ground Forces, with the design, planning, and execution of this major exercise.

Pakpour explained that “Sahand 2025” is the result of a year of continuous effort by officials, planners, commanders, and operational units, all of which are currently deployed at the highest levels of readiness, experience, and coordination.

He reiterated that the IRGC has gained valuable operational experience over the years in confronting Takfiri, separatist, and state-sponsored terrorism, and stressed Iran’s readiness to share this expertise freely with SCO member countries.

The IRGC chief further emphasized that terrorism transcends borders and geography, requiring joint action, specialized exercises, and the exchange of intelligence and operational experience among member states. “Sahand 2025 has been designed precisely to strengthen collective capabilities in facing threats that target regional and global security,” he said.

Pakpour described the presence of senior commanders and security officials from SCO member and non-member states as “a clear indication of interaction, synergy, and shared will to combat terrorism and enhance regional security resilience.”

Concluding his remarks, the IRGC commander expressed hope that the exercise would promote peace, security, and stability for all SCO member nations.