News

Iran has entered the third stage of its military operation against Israel. According to IRNA, Iranian missiles have struck the building of Israel’s Ministry of Defence.

Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports that Israel’s military and political leadership may have been inside the building during the bombardment. As of now, Tel Aviv has not officially confirmed this information.

The missile strike triggered an explosion and a subsequent fire. In total, Iran launched more than 100 missiles, including hypersonic ones.

Media sources close to the Lebanese organisation Hezbollah claim that the home of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also hit.

Netanyahu...

Moody’s has affirmed Uzbekistan’s credit rating at Ba3 (BB-), while raising the outlook from stable to positive, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan.

The outlook revision reflects improvements in economic policy effectiveness, driven by structural reforms implemented across the country.

Moody’s highlighted Uzbekistan’s energy sector reforms as a sign of the government’s willingness and capacity to undertake complex transformations in the future.

The agency also noted progress in expanding the number of independent directors on the boards of state-owned enterprises and banks. The recent adoption of the law on conflict of interest and other regulatory initiatives received positive feedback.

Due...

The Uzbekistan Ministry of Sports has announced the start of the application process for the 2025–2026 academic year at the Uzbekistan State Sports Academy.

The academy has launched 16 undergraduate and six graduate programs. It will train athletes in Olympic disciplines, as well as managers, specialists in adaptive sports, sports psychology, marketing, and sports law.

Applications will be reviewed by the National Olympic and Paralympic Committees. To apply, candidates must submit secondary education documents, copies of diplomas, certificates or awards, and recommendation letters from sports associations.

The admissions committee will prioritize applicants with strong athletic achievements and awards...

On the evening of June 13, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported a massive rocket attack launched from Iran. According to Israeli military sources cited by The Times of Israel, approximately 100 rockets were fired toward the country.

Air defence systems were activated and air raid sirens sounded across various parts of Israel. Authorities urged residents to seek immediate shelter and remain there until further notice.

The IDF confirmed that defense systems are actively intercepting incoming threats. Details on the impact and consequences of the attack have not yet been released.

Kursiv Uzbekistan reports that Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern...

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Global Financial Technology Network (GFTN) under the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the regulator’s press service announced.

The agreement outlines joint efforts to develop Uzbekistan’s fintech strategy. It also includes plans to launch joint training programmes, organise hackathons, and host forums.

Singaporean experts will support Uzbekistan in implementing digital platforms for venture financing and advancing green economy initiatives.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that the Central Bank had kept its key interest rate at 14% per annum.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Israel and Iran to exercise maximum restraint following Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. The Ministry warned that the escalation has already led to casualties and poses a serious threat to regional stability.

«We urge all parties to show restraint, immediately cease hostilities, and move towards political and diplomatic solutions,» the statement read.

The Ministry also highlighted concerns over the potential for a wider conflict if the situation continues to deteriorate.

On Friday, 13 June, Israeli forces targeted Iran’s military and nuclear facilities, reportedly...

The transfer value of Barcelona midfielder Lamine Yamal has surged by €110 mдтon since July 2024, placing him at the top of Forbes’ ranking of the world’s most appreciated footballers in 2025.

Yamal’s current estimated market value stands at €200 million, making him the most expensive football player globally.

Second on the list is Pedri (Pedro González López), Yamal’s teammate at Barcelona. His value rose by €60 million, reaching €150 mln.

Rounding out the top three is Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doué, whose value also increased by €60 million to a total of €90 mln.

Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Cristiano Ronaldo

Starlink will begin providing satellite internet services in Kazakhstan, according to the Ministry of Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The company has committed to complying with national legislation and signed a corresponding agreement with the authority.

Sales of Starlink satellite terminals are scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025.

«The company has agreed to fulfil all requirements under our legislation concerning information security and communications. This year, they will carry out all necessary measures so that our citizens can officially and legally access satellite internet,» said Minister of Digital...

Barcelona midfielder Lamine Yamal has seen the biggest increase in transfer value worldwide in 2025, according to Forbes.

Since July 2024, his market value has surged by €110 mln, reaching €200 mln — making him the most valuable footballer in the world.

Yamal’s teammate Pedri (Pedro González López) ranks second, with a €60 mln increase bringing his valuation to €150 mln.

Completing the top three is PSG’s Désiré Doué, whose value also rose by €60 mln to reach €90 mln.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Cristiano Ronaldo had become the world’s highest-paid athlete.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide $250 mln to upgrade 110 irrigation pumping stations across Uzbekistan, according to the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The agreement was signed during the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025). In addition to upgrading pumping equipment, the loan will fund modernisation of related infrastructure and installation of solar panels on station buildings.

The project is expected to save 251,000 kWh of electricity annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 117,000 tonnes per year.

The ministry added that the EBRD’s portfolio in Uzbekistan includes...

South Korean company AHA plans to build a plant in Fergana to manufacture electronic boards and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, according to the regional hokimiyat.

The project was discussed between Fergana Region Hokim Khayrullo Bozorov and AHA CEO Koo Ki-Dong. Both sides agreed to begin with a pilot production phase.

The investor estimates the total cost of the project at $20 mln. The plant will produce goods for both the domestic market of Uzbekistan and international clients.

AHA is known for manufacturing equipment for medical and educational institutions. Its product line includes interactive boards, digital cutters, smart monitors...

In the first quarter of 2025, Uzbek nationals committed the highest number of crimes among all foreign citizens in Russia, accounting for 35.5% of the total. The data was presented by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs during an international conference on migration and sustainable development.

Tajikistan ranks second with 16.6%, followed by Kyrgyzstan at 11.5%.

During this period, foreign nationals committed approximately 12.5 thousand criminal offences in Russia — a 15.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Despite the rise in criminal activity, the total number of foreign nationals involved in unlawful acts has decreased. Between...

Sony is preparing to raise the price of its PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) subscription, driven by the growing popularity of its Premium and Extra plans, VGC reports, citing PlayStation executive Hideaki Nishino.

Three years ago, only 30% of users chose the more expensive tiers, but even after a global price hike in 2023, that share rose to 38%. According to Sony, this trend reflects increased interest in higher-value subscriptions due to improved content variety and quality.

The company plans to reinvest additional revenue into enhancing the PS Plus service—expanding its game library and offering more personalized features for users.

Walmart and Amazon are exploring the development of their own stablecoins, following recent moves to liberalize cryptocurrency regulations in the United States, according to a report by Bloomberg.

By leveraging blockchain technology, both companies aim to significantly reduce acquiring costs and streamline banking operations. Additionally, issuing their own stablecoins—digital currencies pegged to traditional fiat currencies—would enable faster payment processing.

The daily transaction volume of USDT, the world’s most popular stablecoin issued by Tether Holdings, has already surpassed $155 bn.

News of Walmart and Amazon potentially entering the crypto space has had immediate market impact, leading to a drop in share...

The U.S. dollar has continued its sharp rise in Uzbekistan, gaining 54.42 UZS and reaching 12,760.21 UZS, according to the Uzbek Republican Currency Exchange data as of June 13.

The Central Bank has set its official rate at the same level.

Across commercial banks, the dollar is being bought at 12,645–12,740 UZS and sold at 12,750–12,820 UZS.

The euro also edged up by 0.46 UZS to 14,704.87 UZS, while the Russian rouble rose by 0.88 UZS, reaching 160.08 UZS.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that The Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025) resulted in the signing of investment contracts and trade agreements worth...

Uzbekistan presented a comprehensive overview of its bold market-oriented economic reforms and reaffirmed its strong commitment to WTO accession during a high-level panel session held as part of the 10th meeting of the WTO Working Party on Uzbekistan’s Accession.

The session, titled “Market Economic Reforms in Uzbekistan”, took place in Geneva with the support of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It brought together key global stakeholders to examine Uzbekistan’s reform agenda, the country’s investment climate, and its growing integration into the global trade system.

Uzbekistan Reaffirms Commitment to WTO Accession...

The Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2025) resulted in the signing of investment contracts and trade agreements worth $30.5 bn, according to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade.

The forum brought together over 8,000 participants, including 3,000 foreign guests from 97 countries. Across the event, 36 panel discussions were held.

At the official opening of TIIF-2025 and the session of the Foreign Investors’ Council, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a keynote address. The head of state also held bilateral meetings with executives of major international companies and global financial institutions.

As part of the forum, a national industrial exhibition...

Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure under a military operation called «Nation as a Lion». Reports confirm the deaths of several senior Iranian military officers and nuclear scientists.

Israeli officials stated that the main objective was to damage Iran’s nuclear programme. The strike followed the collapse of negotiations between the United States and Iran over the revival of the nuclear deal.

The U.S. government stressed that it had no involvement in the operation and issued a warning to Tehran against targeting American personnel in the region.

According to Reuters, explosions occurred at Iran’s uranium enrichment...

The Azerbaijan–Uzbek Investment Company (AUIC) plans to invest $500 mln in joint projects. Nazim Gadzhiev, the company’s CEO, made the announcement at the Tashkent International Investment Forum.

Established in 2024, the company has already reviewed more than 100 potential initiatives. At present, 15 projects are undergoing detailed due diligence, while six projects worth over $80 mln have received approval. These include four industrial ventures, one in fintech, and the construction of an international school in New Tashkent.

The company is also preparing projects in Azerbaijan in partnership with Uzbek stakeholders. Implementation may begin before the end of the year.

Earlier...

At the Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF) 2025, Kursiv Uzbekistan had the privilege of engaging in a comprehensive discussion with Toyvo Klaar, the European Union’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan. This forum, held from June 10 to 12, underscored the EU’s robust commitment to deepening economic and strategic partnerships with Uzbekistan.

Ambassador Klaar highlighted the EU’s significant role as Uzbekistan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $6.4 bn in 2024—a 5.2% increase from the previous year. Exports to the EU surged by 26.9%, reflecting a growing economic synergy . 

Furthermore, nearly 1,000 European companies are currently operating in Uzbekistan, benefiting from the...

Sardor Rustambaev begins his diplomatic mission as Uzbekistan’s first ambassador to the Republic of Maldives. He presented his credentials to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, according to the Dunyo news agency.

Following the ceremony, the two sides discussed prospects for strengthening bilateral ties. Talks focused on cooperation in politics, economy, culture, education, and other areas.

Tourism and education were key points on the agenda. They explored opportunities to launch direct flights, simplify visa procedures, and develop joint tourism programmes.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Russia’s ambassador had completed his mission in Uzbekistan.

Polish textile company LPP plans to open more than 20 clothing stores across Uzbekistan, according to Dunyo news agency.

The first outlet under the Sinsay brand is set to open in August. The remaining stores will be launched by the end of 2025.

LPP has studied the local market and found that Uzbek consumers are highly price-sensitive and often prefer shopping at bazaars. As a result, the company will adopt an affordability-first pricing strategy.

In addition to Uzbekistan, LPP intends to expand into Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Polish company Mobilis plans to hire 300 Uzbek...

Tourists from 35 countries have purchased tickets for Jennifer Lopez’s upcoming concert in Tashkent, according to figures from iTicket.uz. Foreign nationals account for 40% of total ticket sales.

The majority of international bookings come from Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. There are also buyers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, the UAE, Canada, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

Ticket sales began five days ago.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that the K-pop group Blackswan drew an audience of 10,000 during their concert in Tashkent.

Iran may withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) if the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to take what it sees as a biased stance.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s Commission on Foreign Policy and National Security, made the statement on June 12.

His comments followed the adoption of a new IAEA resolution, which Tehran views as hostile. According to Rezai, the resolution lacks legal and technical grounds and is driven by political motives.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that Iran’s military command had drafted a plan to strike Israel using hundreds of ballistic...