SCO Approves Iranian Accession To Full Membership: Iran International

Jason Brodsky at Iran International tweets:

• "Iranian media is reporting the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has approved Iran's accession as a member of the SCO, after holding observer status since 2005. This is a symbolic diplomatic victory for Tehran.
• This is because its long journey to become a member started when Iran was under UN sanctions, which was an obstacle to it acquiring full membership. Fast forward to today, the decision is based on Russia and China's support for the JCPOA, despite it being on life support.
• While the timing of the announcement is important for Raisi--and may create the impression that he achieved this diplomatic breakthrough for Iran--he is merely the beneficiary of a process started long before his tenure.
• Nevertheless, Khamenei and Raisi will try to claim Iran has now nullified sanctions. It fits broadly into their focus on the East. It's also more of an alignment than an alliance for Tehran, who will seek to use the membership to elevate its status on world stage."