Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian sought to strike a balance between defiance and diplomacy at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, pledging to resolve Tehran’s nuclear standoff through dialogue while simultaneously tightening strategic ties with Moscow. In a series of high-level meetings, Pezeshkian pressed the United Nations to hold Israel accountable for regional escalations and emphasized Iran’s commitment to a comprehensive partnership with Russia as a counterweight to U.S. pressure.

A Diplomatic Overture On The Nuclear Front

Meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons, stressing instead the country’s “legitimate right” to a peaceful program. He denounced Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, accusing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of failing to hold Tel Aviv accountable. “Today, the Zionist regime kills whomever it chooses, anywhere in the region, under the pretext of self-defense,” he said, demanding stronger UN action. Guterres, in turn, said he believed Iran’s nuclear activity was peaceful and warned against triggering the JCPOA’s snapback sanctions mechanism.

A Strategic Embrace With Moscow

On the same day, Pezeshkian met Russian President Vladimir Putin, with both leaders highlighting the importance of implementing a comprehensive long-term partnership treaty. The pact covers energy, trade, scientific exchange, and cultural cooperation, and aligns Iran more deeply with Moscow at a time of heightened Western sanctions. Putin noted increased bilateral trade and the growing number of Iranian students in Russia, underscoring the “friendly and growing” ties between the two states. Pezeshkian described the treaty as a foundation for “removing obstacles and speeding up” collaboration within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Balancing East And West Amid Pressure

Pezeshkian’s messaging at the SCO reflects Tehran’s attempt to strengthen multilateralism in the face of U.S. sanctions and pressure campaigns. By leaning into forums like the SCO and enhancing Russian cooperation, Iran seeks to demonstrate resilience while keeping diplomatic channels open on the nuclear file. Analysts note that this dual-track approach—deepening eastern ties while calling for diplomacy with the West—mirrors Tehran’s strategy to hedge against isolation and project itself as a stabilizing actor in a volatile region.