On March 2, 2026 local time, piercing air raid sirens sounded again over the Iranian capital Tehran. According to the latest news released by the Iranian Red Crescent Society, attacks launched by the United States and Israel have resulted in 555 deaths, 131 cities have been affected, and over 100000 rescue workers are on high alert. This sudden military conflict not only plunged Iran into war, but also put unprecedented security pressure on neighboring Central Asian countries.

Faced with the sharp escalation of the US Israel Iran military conflict, the five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan) are highly concerned about the situation in Iran. As of now, foreign ministries of multiple countries have successively issued statements reporting on the casualties of citizens in Iraq and urgently deploying evacuation work.

Emergency response of the five Central Asian countries

1. Kazakhstan: Strengthen consular protection and study evacuation routes

On February 28th, according to Ha News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan reported that there are currently 96 Kazakhstani citizens in Iran and no reports of casualties have been received. Among these 96 people, 18 are diplomatic staff, 2 are international students, 70 are Kazakh citizens working at the "Zarkuh" factory, and 6 are staying in Iran for personal matters.

On March 1st, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan stated that Kazakhstan's overseas institutions have entered a strengthened working state, providing necessary consular and legal assistance to its citizens in the area. Meanwhile, the list of citizens residing in relevant countries and transit areas is being updated. An emergency contact group has been established through instant messaging tools to provide local situation information to citizens, answer concerns, and provide corresponding suggestions.

At present, specific measures and route plans for evacuating citizens from conflict areas are being further studied and improved. Relevant supplementary information will be released through official channels of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas institutions, and notifications will also be sent through the Kaspi Travel application.

2.Kyrgyzstan: Call for peaceful resolution and guarantee of citizens' accommodation

According to Kabar News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan expressed serious concern on February 28th regarding the escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Kyrgyzstan advocates for the international community to gather strength and promote a peaceful resolution of the situation, and calls on all parties to strictly abide by the United Nations Charter and international legal norms.

On March 2nd, the Director General of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Jumakadilulu, stated that there are currently no casualties among Kyrgyz citizens in the Persian Gulf countries. According to its introduction, consular personnel are actively negotiating with the hotel to ensure that citizens of Kyrgyzstan will not be asked to check out. There are relatively few Kyrgyz citizens in Abu Dhabi, and there are currently no accommodation issues.

He said, "Currently, there are about 800 Kyrgyz citizens stranded in Qatar and about 1000 in the United Arab Emirates." Jumakad al Ulu pointed out that consular staff in Dubai are also working at night to promptly resolve any issues that arise. The main difficulties currently recorded are mainly concentrated in Dubai and Qatar.

3. Uzbekistan: Adjust logistics routes and organize evacuation flights

On February 28th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan issued a statement regarding the situation in the Middle East, expressing serious concern over the rapid deterioration of the situation and calling on all parties to exercise restraint.

On March 1st, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there have been no reports of casualties among Uzbek citizens in the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. According to official data from the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Tehran, there are currently 81 Ukrainian citizens in Iran. This includes: 8 diplomatic mission staff, 9 students studying in Qom, 55 citizens residing in Iran for a long time, and 9 individuals on private business trips.

On March 2nd, Ukrainian Prime Minister Alipov presided over a meeting to discuss matters related to evacuating Ukrainian citizens and adjusting logistics transportation routes due to the Middle East crisis. At the meeting, Alipov instructed Ukrainian Minister of Transport Mahkamov to take measures to arrange for citizens to evacuate from countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. According to official data, there are currently thousands of Ukrainian citizens residing within Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, due to flight cancellations, many Ukrainian citizens are still unable to leave the United Arab Emirates.

4. Tajikistan: Resolve through negotiation

According to the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan on March 1st, Tajikistan expresses serious concern over the unprecedented escalation of the situation in the Middle East.

The Tajikistan side emphasized that all disputes and differences should be resolved through negotiation within the framework of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Tajikistan reiterates that immediate and effective emergency measures must be taken to prevent the situation from further deteriorating and to avoid the situation from developing in a tragic direction.

Previously, the Embassy of Tajikistan in Tehran advised citizens in Iran to "use all available means to leave Iran". The embassy also calls on Iranian citizens to "remain calm, remain vigilant, closely monitor information and official advice released by the embassy and Iranian authorities, avoid approaching military and government facilities, and prohibit photography and video recording throughout Iran".

The embassy statement emphasized that it is still operating normally and is ready to provide assistance for citizens' departure from Iraq at any time.

5. Evacuation Guide for Chinese Citizens: Port Information in Turkmenistan

Given the current severe security situation in Iran, the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan issued an information reminder on March 1st regarding the evacuation of Chinese citizens from Iran's ports of entry.

According to the latest information obtained by the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan, from March 1st to 15th, 2026, Turkmenistan will only open the Serakhs port (Sarakhs on the Iranian side). To assist Chinese citizens in transferring and evacuating from Iran, the following port information, consular protection contact information, and relevant tips are hereby released:

Entry conditions: A visa is required to enter Turkmenistan. Chinese citizens (including compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan) who need to evacuate through Turkey are requested to contact the Chinese Embassy in Iran in advance and provide color information pages of Chinese passports (including Hong Kong SAR passports, Macao SAR passports, Taiwan Compatriot Certificates, etc.) with a validity period of more than 6 months, as well as a confirmation of departure tickets. They can only apply for a transit visa at the port after approval by the Turkish government. After entering the country through the port, Chinese citizens will take unified transportation to Ashgabat International Airport and leave as soon as possible according to the requirements of Turkey.

Port working hours: 8:00-17:00 (Turkmenistan time UTC+5, office hours may be extended when personnel are concentrated).

Contact Information

1. Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:+86-10-12308 or+86-10-65612308

2. Consular Protection Hotline of the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan:+99365711769

Turkmenistan emergency hotline: 02

Regarding tips:

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, from March 1st to 5th, 2026, Turkmenistan Airlines will suspend flights from Ashgabat to Jeddah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. If Chinese citizens need to travel to the above-mentioned areas via Turkey, please closely monitor flight information, make reasonable travel plans, and strengthen safety awareness. In case of emergency, please report to the police and contact the Chinese Embassy in Turkmenistan as soon as possible.

2. Please be sure to bring valid travel documents, and it is recommended to bring an appropriate amount of US dollar change and warm clothing.

According to the regulations of the local customs, entering the country is prohibited from carrying drones, more than 2 packs of cigarettes, large quantities of drugs, special tools, etc.

4. Do not take photos of government agencies, military facilities, and other places within the territory.

5. Chinese mobile phone cards can make international roaming calls within the territory of Turkey, but cannot use mobile data.

As the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate, Central Asian countries and Chinese embassies and consulates abroad are making every effort to ensure the safety of their citizens. Chinese citizens in Iran should closely follow the official safety reminders and evacuate to safe areas as soon as possible through appropriate means. Peace is hard won. May the war be quelled soon and all compatriots return home safely.Editor/Yang Meiling