Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan express concern over escalating tensions in Iran

By Kanyshai Butun and Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) — Azerbaijan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan on Saturday expressed concern over escalating tensions in Iran and called on all parties to de-escalate and resume dialogue.

In a statement published on Telegram, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry urged all sides to exercise maximum restraint, immediately cease hostilities and take all necessary steps to return to constructive dialogue.

The ministry said Kyrgyzstan supports efforts by the international community to achieve a peaceful resolution in line with the UN Charter and international law.

The Belarusian Foreign Ministry said the escalation in Iran has also affected what it described as “friendly” Gulf countries, calling on those involved in the strikes to abandon the confrontation and resolve differences through political and diplomatic means.

In a later statement, the ministry said Minsk condemns “any armed action that leads to civilian casualties, including through the indiscriminate use of force.”

"We believe that the international community must make every effort to prevent the loss of civilian life and the escalation of violence," the statement said, also reaffirming its call on all parties to "return to resolving differences exclusively through political and diplomatic means."

Separately, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said the escalation poses a serious threat to regional and global security and stability and is a matter of “deep concern.”

“We strongly urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint, refrain from actions that would further escalate tensions, and return to the negotiating table,” the statement said.

Israel and the US launched strikes against Iran early Saturday, citing alleged threats posed by the “Iranian regime.” Video statements were later released by both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The attacks came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman’s mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended Thursday.

Israel also initiated a 12-day war on Iran last June, with the US joining later and bombing three Iranian nuclear sites.