Uzbeks also evacuated from Iran amid Israel-Iran conflict

As tensions escalated between Iran and Israel, Uzbek citizens were evacuated from Iran via Turkmenistan, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

In response to the growing instability in the Middle East, Turkmen authorities have taken urgent measures to allow the evacuation of foreign diplomats, their families, and other citizens currently in Iran through Turkmen territory.

So far, around 120 people — including citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Romania, and other countries — have crossed into Turkmenistan through designated border checkpoints. These evacuees were provided with transport, food, hotel accommodation, and essential medical assistance.

“In the framework of its humanitarian mission, the relevant government agencies of Turkmenistan are cooperating closely with foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations. Turkmenistan is thereby reaffirming its commitment to humanity, international cooperation, and good neighborly relations during the International Year of Peace and Trust, declared by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan,” the statement read.

Citizens of Kazakhstan and Russia had also been evacuated from Iran earlier.

Israel’s strike on Iran

On June 13, Israel launched a military operation against Iran, naming it “Land of Lions.” The targets included military facilities and air defense systems in Tehran, Natanz, Kermanshah, and Khorramabad, as well as residential complexes housing members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Several senior Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists were reportedly killed in the strikes. Additionally, at least 60 civilians are believed to have died as a result of the attacks.

Iran’s retaliation

In response to Israel’s airstrikes on June 13 and the early morning of June 14, Iran launched its own retaliatory strikes. Over 200 drones and ballistic missiles were fired toward Israeli territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the attacks and activated air defense systems across the country.

According to the IDF, a large number of the incoming threats were intercepted. Initial reports indicate that at least five people were killed and more than ten others injured in the Iranian strikes.