Officially, Iran becomes the ninth member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
But what is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and what are its objectives?
The organization, founded in 1996, includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar are seeking to become partners in this organization.
It is the largest regional organization in the world in terms of population and area, with an estimated population of 3.2 billion and a massive economic size.
If Gulf countries join, the economic size will be even more significant.
Regarding economic cooperation, participation in the organization opens doors for trade, transportation, energy, scientific and technological cooperation, cultural exchanges, and tourism.
Iran, under sanctions, already has trade, economic, and oil exchanges with members of the organization, such as China and Russia.
By joining, Iran aims to open new global markets for Iranian products, secure employment opportunities for Iranians, and enhance transit routes between East Asia and Europe that can pass through Iranian territories.
The economic dimensions of Iran's accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization are as important as the political dimensions.
Iran's presence alongside China and Russia sends a new message to the United States, particularly regarding sanctions and efforts to curb Iran's nuclear development.
Will this step open the door to repositioning Iran alongside China against the United States, or will the nuclear negotiations led by Europe contribute to easing the impact of this new alignment?