Photo: kursiv.media
Uzbekistan has called for all conflicts to be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law and through diplomatic dialogue. The appeal was made by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
The ministry emphasized that the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran threatens the stability and security of the entire region, with the gravest consequences borne by ordinary civilians — particularly women and children.
“Uzbekistan does not see war as a means of solving problems, but rather as a situation that gravely endangers lives, stability, and development. There are no winners in war. The greatest losses have always been, and continue to be, suffered by ordinary people,” the statement said.
The MFA affirmed that Uzbekistan will continue to pursue a peaceful foreign policy and foster friendly, mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries. Citizens were urged to remain tolerant, resist provocations, and avoid participation in conflicts motivated by religion, race, or other differences. The ministry also called on the public to uphold national and religious harmony and reject any form of hate speech or incitement to violence.
Earlier, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry had urged both Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint, cease hostilities immediately, and return to political and diplomatic methods of conflict resolution.
In the early hours of June 13, Israeli warplanes launched large-scale airstrikes on over a hundred targets across Iran, including nuclear facilities, missile bases, and military command centers. The operation, dubbed Rising Lion, was aimed at thwarting Iran’s development of nuclear weapons. The strikes triggered explosions in Tehran and other cities, destroyed residential buildings housing senior military officials, and damaged nuclear sites, including the underground complex in Natanz.
In retaliation, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles toward Israel, most of which were intercepted by Israeli air defenses. Israel declared a state of emergency, closed its airspace, and began mobilizing reservists. The exchange of missile strikes is ongoing.
Central Asian embassies have advised their citizens in Israel and Iran to follow safety protocols: seek shelter immediately upon hearing alarms, monitor official updates, and keep identification documents and diplomatic contact information on hand for emergency situations.
