Turkmenistan has announced the evacuation of 120 foreign nationals, including several citizens of Tajikistan, from Iran through its border checkpoints. The operation was carried out in response to the intensifying armed conflict between Iran and Israel.
According to a statement issued by Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 16, those evacuated also included citizens of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Romania, and other countries.
“These individuals were provided with transportation, food, lodging, and other essential services,” the ministry reported.
The Turkmen authorities emphasized that the country’s territory is being made available as a safe exit route for foreign diplomats, their families, and other international citizens currently in Iran.
“In doing so, Turkmenistan reaffirms its commitment to the principles of humanitarianism, international cooperation, and good neighborliness,” the statement added.
Attempts by Asia-Plus to obtain an official comment from Tajikistan's authorities regarding the evacuation or the broader situation of Tajik nationals in Iran have so far been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it is working with its embassies in Iran and Azerbaijan to facilitate the evacuation of its citizens. As of June 16, 24 Kyrgyz citizens have been evacuated via the Astara border crossing between Iran and Azerbaijan.
Context: the Iran-Israel Escalation
The evacuations follow a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel. On the morning of June 13, Israel launched a major airstrike on Iranian territory, deploying approximately 200 fighter jets.
The operation, named “Lion’s Awakening”, targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to Israeli authorities.
In retaliation, during the night of June 14, Iran fired multiple ballistic missiles into various regions of Israel. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, naming the counter-offensive “True Promise 3”, and stating that its main targets were three Israeli airbases.
The violence continues to intensify. To date, Iranian casualties have reached 224 people, while Israel has reported 19 fatalities. Hundreds more have been injured on both sides
