IRGC a Key Architect of Regional Counter-Terrorism Security

TEHRAN (Iran News) Brigadier General Vali Madani, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, said the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran are proud to host this exercise—under the auspices of the IRGC Ground Forces—in Shabestar, East Azerbaijan, following Iran’s two-year membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

The general noted that the exercise was initiated in September 2024 by the order of the late Major General Baqeri and later assigned to the IRGC Ground Forces by the late Major General Hamdani, Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC.

Brig. Gen. Madani explained that after coordination meetings and submission of the exercise plan to the SCO Executive Committee in Uzbekistan, the committee’s chair and secretary visited Iran in 2025 to finalize arrangements.

He added that the SCO Executive Committee schedules an annual counter-terrorism exercise, with Iran and the IRGC being the fourth country and military force to host such an event.

The countries participating as SCO members include Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Kazakhstan, Iran, India, and Belarus. Neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Oman, and Iraq are participating as guest observers.

Brig. Gen. Madani said the five-day exercise began on Sunday with the arrival of operational team leaders, with the main phase starting today.

He emphasized that the exercise’s main focus is counter-terrorism, noting that “terrorists recognize no geographical boundaries and can pose threats in any country.”

The general highlighted the exercise’s objectives, including enhancing the military knowledge of commanders and personnel in counter-terrorism operations and facilitating the sharing of experiences among member countries.

“This exercise aims to unify member countries in a common goal against terrorism and strengthen cooperation among them,” he said.

Brig. Gen. Madani also stressed the significance of holding this exercise after the 12-day conflict, describing Sahand 2025 as the first comprehensive field operation exercise conducted within Iran.

He explained that the IRGC, leveraging its field experience, took responsibility for organizing the exercise, which is also seen as a strategic step toward forming a regional coalition under the SCO framework. Senior military officials from all member and guest countries are participating.

The exercise includes 20 heads of high-ranking military delegations, 60 chiefs of staff, and 40 operational forces. Operational activities will take place over three days, with staff briefings and operational planning conducted beforehand. The main exercise, scheduled for December 4, is designed by a special unit of the IRGC Ground Forces, integrating all specialized operational areas.

Brig. Gen. Madani confirmed that live ammunition will be used in all five stages, and operational teams will engage simulated terrorists with full force. The main operations are expected to last approximately three hours in a controlled counter-terrorism environment.

The exercise’s official slogan, he added, is: “Comprehensive Effort to Combat Terrorism,” which aligns with the agenda of all SCO member states.

According to IRNA, the five-day Sahand 2025 joint counter-terrorism exercise is being held in Shabestar County, East Azerbaijan Province, hosted by the IRGC Ground Forces in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with 18 high-level delegations from SCO member states and regional military and security organizations participating.