Uzbekistan has expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of tensions in the Middle East, urging restraint and diplomatic resolution as the conflict begins to affect civilian aviation and regional security.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Kyrgyzstan has opened a round-the-clock crisis headquarters to monitor the situation and assist its citizens abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan issued an official statement expressing “serious concern” over the sharp deterioration of the situation in the Middle East, warning that further escalation could lead to unpredictable military, political and humanitarian consequences.
Tashkent called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and avoid actions that could aggravate tensions. The ministry stressed that the crisis must be addressed strictly in accordance with international law through political and diplomatic means, including constructive and mutually acceptable dialogue.
Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional stability and security and expressed hope for a swift normalisation of the situation.
Against this backdrop, Uzbekistan’s foreign minister held telephone consultations with counterparts in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates. During the discussions, the sides exchanged views on the evolving situation and reaffirmed their commitment to respecting sovereignty and resolving disputes through dialogue. Messages of support from the President of Uzbekistan were conveyed during the calls.
The escalating conflict has already disrupted air travel following the closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries.
Uzbekistan Airways cancelled flights between Tashkent and Dubai, as well as Tashkent and Tel Aviv. Flights to Jeddah are operating via alternative routes for safety reasons, resulting in longer journey times.
Authorities have suspended departures for the Umrah pilgrimage until further notice. From 2 March, repatriation flights are being organised from Jeddah to return Uzbek pilgrims home.
The Foreign Ministry advised citizens to postpone non-essential travel to the Middle East and urged those currently in the region to remain in contact with diplomatic missions and follow safety instructions issued by local authorities.
In neighbouring Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a special headquarters operating 24 hours a day in response to the crisis.
The Consular Department held an emergency meeting and established direct communication with embassies and consulates in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey. Officials reported no casualties among Kyrgyz citizens and said the overall situation remained stable in most Gulf states.
According to Consular Department Director Seytek Zhumakadyr uulu, Saudi Arabia’s airports remain open, although some flights are delayed, while the situation in Qatar is described as stable. WhatsApp groups have been set up to provide operational updates to citizens abroad. Consular staff are also assisting Kyrgyz nationals facing accommodation difficulties.
The escalation began on 28 February with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory missile attacks by Tehran on U.S. military bases in the Gulf. Reports indicate that senior Iranian officials were killed in the strikes, intensifying regional tensions.
Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East have left tens of thousands of travellers stranded. Governments across Central Asia are closely monitoring developments, as further instability could affect energy markets, transport routes and regional trade.
Both Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have emphasised diplomacy and restraint as the only viable path to de-escalation.
Armenia's parliament has passed a new law raising the requirements for citizens living abroad to vote in national elections, following concerns over a...
Russian attacks killed at least six people across three Ukrainian regions on Friday, regional officials said, as Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy i...
Egypt secured their first World Cup knockout-stage victory by beating Australia 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Arlington, Texas....
Defending champions Argentina needed an extra-time own goal to beat Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday and reach the World Cup last 16, while Colombia advanced ...
World Athletics has reaffirmed its decision to keep Russian and Belarusian athletes excluded from international competition, saying there has been no ...
Passengers travelling through Tashkent International Airport can now receive customs guidance from an AI-powered robot, as Uzbekistan continues to expand the digitalisation of its border services.
Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are advancing plans for a new energy corridor beneath the Caspian Sea that could carry renewable electricity from Central Asia to Europe, linking the region's growing clean energy sector with European markets.
Uzbekistan and Norway have launched a new three-year initiative to strengthen the country’s radiation and nuclear safety framework as Tashkent prepares to build its first nuclear power plant and seeks to establish itself as a regional leader in the sector.
Uzbekistan’s use of green energy sources has accounted for more than 45 per cent of its electricity generation as of on 24 June, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
India is investigating a data breach at Tata Electronics that exposed sensitive documents linked to Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro, marking the government's first public comments on the incident.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has raised its forecast for the rapid emergence of a strong El Niño, warning the climate pattern is likely to drive higher global temperatures and intensify extreme weather in the months ahead.
Eight Buddhist monks were killed and more than 20 others injured after an 11-year-old boy driving his parents' pickup truck ploughed into a religious procession in north-eastern Thailand, police said.
Armenia's parliament has passed a new law raising the requirements for citizens living abroad to vote in national elections, following concerns over alleged efforts to influence last month's parliamentary vote through Armenian citizens residing in Russia.
International politicians and religious leaders have paid respects to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei throughout the day, ahead of his six day funeral ceremony which begins on Saturday. His casket is currently on display at the Iman Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran.
Georgia’s only oil refinery will stop using Russian crude oil by September to preserve access to Western markets, its operator has said.
Iran has begun talks with Japan about selling oil to Japanese companies, according to Iranian and Western sources. The discussions come less than a month after the U.S. eased decades-old sanctions on Iranian oil as part of efforts to secure a final peace deal with Tehran.
At least 40 people were killed after a passenger bus plunged off a highway into a ravine in southwestern Pakistan, officials said on Friday (3 July).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment