Iran "Ready to Share" Weapons and Defense Capabilities with Allied Nations

Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik announced on April 28 that Tehran is prepared to share weapons and defense capabilities with "independent countries, especially members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)." Speaking during an SCO defense ministers conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Talaei-Nik stated: "We are ready to share our experience from America's defeat with other members of the organization."

Iran has conducted military operations against the United States and Israel from late February through early April, launching drones and missiles to strike U.S. military bases throughout the Middle East, including in Israel, and engaging U.S. air targets in Iranian airspace on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has rejected Iran's proposal to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifts its economic sanctions on Iran. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to dismiss the proposal during a Fox News interview on April 27, stating: "We need to ensure that any agreement made must prevent them from accelerating nuclear weapons development at any time," referencing a separate Pakistani proposal.

Since the conflict began on February 28, at least 3,375 people have died in Iran, while Lebanon—heavily targeted by Israel in operations against Hezbollah—has suffered 2,521 deaths. Israel has reported 23 civilian deaths, with 16 Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon. Additionally, 13 American military personnel and 6 United Nations peacekeepers have been killed during operations in southern Lebanon.