13 Uzbek Citizens Return Home From Iran Via Turkmenistan

Thirteen citizens of Uzbekistan have safely returned home from Iran through the territory of Turkmenistan, according to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The Dunyo news agency reported that the Uzbek Embassy in Ashgabat worked together with Turkmenistan’s Foreign Ministry and other authorities to provide urgent assistance to citizens leaving Iran.

Diplomats met the group of 13 nationals in the border city of Serakhs and arranged their safe transportation back to Uzbekistan.

Officials noted that several border checkpoints between Turkmenistan and Iran — including Gaudan–Bajgiran, Artyk–Lutfabad, Akayla–Incheburun and Altyn Asyr–Incheburun — reopened on March 2.

Earlier, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens planning trips to Middle Eastern countries for pilgrimage, tourism or other purposes to postpone their travel.

Tensions in the region escalated on February 28 when Israel launched strikes against Iran. Tehran responded the same day by firing several missiles.

Later, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His adviser and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani, as well as Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammad Pakpour, were also reported killed.

Following the developments, Ayatollah Arafi was appointed as the country’s interim supreme leader.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the military operation against Iran would continue until its objectives are fully achieved.