Rescue workers at a building in Iran damaged in an Israeli strike. Photo: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters
The foreign ministries of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have issued official statements in response to the recent escalation in the Middle East.
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over Israel’s military operation against Iran, which resulted in civilian casualties.
“We call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease hostilities, and shift toward political and diplomatic methods of conflict resolution,” the statement read.
The ministry emphasized the risk of further escalation, warning that it could lead to large-scale confrontation in the region. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional stability and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict.
Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also voiced deep concern over the rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Bishkek urged both sides to refrain from actions that could further aggravate the situation and to demonstrate maximum restraint in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.
In the early hours of June 13, Israeli air forces carried out extensive strikes on dozens of targets in Iran, including nuclear infrastructure, missile bases, and military command centers. The operation, named “Rising Lion,” was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities, with damage to residential buildings housing high-ranking military officials and nuclear facilities, including the underground complex in Natanz.
According to the Israeli military, several senior Iranian commanders were killed during the operation, including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) chief Hossein Salami and Chief of the General Staff Mohammad Bagheri. Iran confirmed the deaths of several commanders and stated that its air defense systems were on high alert.
In retaliation, Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles, most of which were intercepted by Israel’s air defense systems. Israel declared a state of emergency, closed its airspace, and began mobilizing reservists.
Central Asian embassies have advised their citizens in Israel and Iran to take safety precautions, seek shelter during air raid alerts, follow official updates, carry identification, and keep emergency contact information for their diplomatic missions readily available.
