TASHKENT, March 4. /Dunyo IA/. “The safety of our citizens is above all”, - emphasized Sanjar Valiev, Director of the Center for Foreign Policy Studies, in a commentary to Dunyo IA:

- A complex geopolitical crisis is currently unfolding in the Middle East, the consequences of which extend far beyond the region and affect the global landscape.

To understand the depth of the current situation, it is important to look not only at recent developments but also at the historical and ideological factors that have accumulated over decades. What we are witnessing is not simply a dispute between neighbouring states, but a confrontation rooted in deeply held political and ideological positions.

For Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia, developments surrounding Iran carry significant strategic implications in the areas of security, economic stability, and transport connectivity.

How should the official bodies of our country and society respond to this? Naturally, this is a question that many citizens of our country are asking.

In such situations, the primary task of the state is to carefully assess the evolving circumstances and ensure the safety of its citizens. The protection of Uzbek nationals abroad remains an absolute priority and a fundamental responsibility of the government.

This is precisely what our state is currently focused on. The President of Uzbekistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, held an important meeting with the leadership of the security and defense sector. I am confident that a comprehensive assessment of the situation has been made, with a deep understanding and anticipation of possible scenarios.

This can be judged by the promptness with which important decisions were made to implement special procedures at our diplomatic missions abroad and to carry out the evacuation of citizens.

To the best of my knowledge, there is a comprehensive understanding of the location of our compatriots in the region, and communication channels with them have been established. Several thousand of our citizens have already been evacuated from countries affected by strikes. I can say frankly that our experts are monitoring the actions of other countries in this regard, and it is evident that not all have been able to carry out such measures effectively. Even countries such as the United States and Germany have faced significant difficulties, as openly acknowledged by the heads of their foreign affairs ministries.

At the same time, Uzbekistan is actively pursuing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions and contributing to the de-escalation of the situation.

In recent days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has maintained continuous dialogue with regional partners. At the ministerial level alone, twelve telephone conversations have taken place, all focused on calls for restraint and de-escalation. Operational communication is also maintained through foreign embassies in Tashkent and Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions around the world.

Moreover, our diplomats are actively engaged in the work of such platforms as the UN, SCO, OIC and ECO, facilitating interaction with all parties while maintaining a balanced approach in their relations.

As other members of the international community become involved, there is hope for an improvement in the situation.

At the same time, the government’s economic institutions are working to preserve trade and supply chains and to minimize potential risks to food and energy security.

Overall, the challenges arising from the current situation are well understood, and appropriate measures are being taken. It is important not to react emotionally, but to maintain constructive partnerships with all sides and to use diplomatic channels to support peace and regional stability.

Our position is absolutely clear: Uzbekistan always advocates for political and diplomatic dialogue and has never supported the use of military force. Especially given that all parties involved are important partners for our country. Therefore, after the priority of protecting our citizens, Uzbekistan’s primary interest lies in achieving peace and ending violence.