Addressing the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s member states, observers and partners, known as SCO Plus, held in Bishkek on Tuesday, Pezeshkian highlighted ongoing transformations in the international system and called for stronger multilateral mechanisms to address global challenges.
The Iranian president noted the growing willingness of various countries to play a role in international decision-making, stressing that shifts in the balance of power should not lead to the transfer of hegemony from one power center to another.
“Changes in the balance of power should not result in replacing one center of power with another and transferring hegemony,” Pezeshkian said.
Referring to the United Nations’ primary mission of maintaining international peace and security, preventing war and peacefully resolving disputes, he stressed the need to improve the performance of the UN and its Security Council in dealing with global developments.
Pezeshkian described the UN and Security Council’s performance regarding developments in Gaza, Lebanon and the recent aggression against Iran as “very disappointing,” citing military aggression, genocide, war crimes, terrorism and illegal sanctions.
He also referred to US and Israeli attacks against Iran and the targeting of civilian centers, vital infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities, describing such actions as a clear violation of the UN Charter and principles of international law.
The Iranian president warned that the continuation of such a trend could undermine countries’ confidence in international mechanisms and the path of diplomacy.
At the same time, Pezeshkian described diplomacy and negotiations as the main avenue for resolving disputes, emphasizing the need for good faith, respect for commitments and refraining from the use of force in order to achieve lasting peace.