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.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Fore...
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 13 June, covering the latest developments you need to know....
As the 2026 World Cup kicked off on 11 June across North America, U.S. visa restrictions and travel policies have made it impossible for supporters, ...
Every June, roughly 13 million young people in China sit down at the same time to take the same test. They have been preparing for it, in many cases, ...
European museums are increasingly returning cultural artefacts to countries in Africa and the Middle East, as pressure grows to address the legacy of ...
Uzbekistan will launch a new digital financial platform from 1 July aimed at simplifying access to finance for entrepreneurs, as part of broader efforts to support small businesses, encourage innovation and accelerate private sector development.
Domestic economic conditions are playing a growing role in shaping the outlook for Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to global financial services group ING.
The U.S. is deepening engagement with Central Asia on critical minerals as global competition for strategic resources intensifies. The issue dominated talks in Astana between Washington and the five Central Asian states.
Uzbekistan plans to create a National Geological Data Bank and expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the mining sector as part of efforts to attract $30 billion in investment by 2030.
SpaceX has made history with the largest initial public offering ever in the United States, pricing its shares at $135 each and achieving a market valuation of $1.77 trillion.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
SpaceX made a historic entrance into the Nasdaq on Friday, surging over 20% in its first day of trading and lifting its valuation to more than $2 trillion. Investors flocked to the world’s largest IPO, betting on Elon Musk’s sprawling empire spanning rockets, AI and beyond.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Uzbekistan will launch a new digital financial platform from 1 July aimed at simplifying access to finance for entrepreneurs, as part of broader efforts to support small businesses, encourage innovation and accelerate private sector development.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
The global race to develop quantum computing is accelerating, with governments and technology firms investing heavily in what is expected to become a major new computing era.
Japan’s birth rate and fertility levels have fallen to their lowest levels on record, highlighting the country’s worsening demographic crisis as fewer people marry and have children.
Iran said no final decision has been made on a proposed agreement with Washington, despite suggestions from U.S. President Donald Trump that a deal could soon be signed in a European capital.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment