Iran has offered to share its defensive weapons capabilities with "independent countries," especially members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei‑Nik said on April 28. The announcement follows a late‑February to early‑April confrontation with the United States and Israel during which Iran launched waves of drones and missiles and downed mostly U.S. drones. Talaei‑Nik made the statement at an SCO defence ministers meeting in Bishkek and has also met with Russian and Belarusian defence officials. A ceasefire currently holds, but efforts to negotiate a lasting settlement remain stalled.
Iran Says It Will Share Defensive Capabilities With SCO Partners, Deputy Defence Minister Announces
A Shahed drone on display during the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran February 11, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS
Iran has offered to share its defensive weapons capabilities with "independent countries," prioritising members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei‑Nik said on April 28, according to Iranian state media.
Background And Recent Hostilities
From late February to early April, Tehran engaged in a two‑month confrontation with the United States and Israel. During that period, Iran launched waves of drones and missiles targeting U.S. bases across the region and Israeli sites, and it intermittently shot down U.S. aerial targets—primarily drones—over its airspace.
Offer To Share Expertise
Speaking at an SCO defence ministers meeting in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, Talaei‑Nik said Iran was prepared to pass on its defensive experience to other members of the organisation. He was quoted as saying:
"We are ready to share the experiences of America's defeat with other members of the organisation."
The deputy minister also held recent discussions with Russian and Belarusian defence officials, with Moscow and Minsk indicating they intend to continue defence cooperation with Tehran.
Ceasefire And Diplomatic Outlook
The conflict is presently on hold following a ceasefire announced earlier in April, but diplomatic efforts to resolve the underlying dispute have so far stalled. Iran's offer to share defensive capabilities could deepen military ties with friendly states and shape security dynamics across the region and within the SCO framework.
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