News

The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering expanding its current travel ban by adding 36 more countries, including Kyrgyzstan, according to Reuters. The agency cites internal diplomatic correspondence from the US Department of State.

Moreover, the document, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, gives the listed countries 60 days to improve their systems for identifying citizens, cooperate with the US on deportation procedures, and strengthen the security of passport documents. Failure to comply may result in a full or partial ban on entry to the United States.

Countries facing potential restrictions include:

Angola, Antigua and Barbuda...

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed officials to introduce a mechanism for returning 50% of value-added tax (VAT) as cashback. The new measure aims to keep prices for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs stable while encouraging businesses to operate transparently.

«I also warn regional governors: under this new mechanism, prices for meat, milk, poultry, and eggs must remain stable. Those who fail to ensure this will lose their jobs,» said Mirziyoyev during a government meeting on ongoing reforms.

He stressed that delays in cashback payments, even for a single day...

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have announced the conclusion of a large-scale series of airstrikes aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities.

The operation targeted a network of strategic weapons production facilities across Iran, focusing on key sites involved in missile development and air defence systems. These facilities reportedly fall under the control of the Quds Force and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to the IDF press service, the strikes specifically targeted infrastructure supporting Iran’s weapons development and production, including:

Ashgabat has provided humanitarian support to citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other countries who arrived in Turkmenistan from Iran, the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

By the morning of June 16, over 100 people from various countries had entered Turkmenistan. Authorities accommodated them in hotels, offering meals and essential supplies.

«As part of a humanitarian mission, the relevant government bodies of Turkmenistan are working closely with foreign diplomatic missions and international organisations,» the ministry said in a statement.

The evacuation follows a sharp escalation in the Middle East. On June...

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev chaired a government meeting focused on assessing the effectiveness of ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan. During the session, he warned that the recent escalation in the Middle East could have implications for the region.

«If the conflict continues, trade and logistics — which have only just recovered from the pandemic — will face renewed disruptions,» he stated.

Mirziyoyev also noted that global demand for peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity is higher than ever.

Despite geopolitical concerns, Uzbekistan’s economy has shown strong performance. Over the first five...

On June 15, Bayern Munich faced Auckland City in the opening match of Group C at the FIFA Club World Cup in Cincinnati. The game ended with a 10–0 victory for the German side.

Kingsley Coman opened the scoring in the 6th minute. Further goals followed from Sacha Boey (18′), Michael Olise (20′, 45+2′), Coman again (21′), and Thomas Müller (45′, 90′). In the second half, Jamal Musiala added a hat-trick with goals in the 68th, 73rd (penalty), and 84th minutes.

Bayern scored six goals in the first half and four in the second. The New Zealand club failed to...

Uzbekistan Airways has updated the schedule for flights HY423/424 between Tashkent and Delhi for June 16 only, citing technical reasons.

Revised departure and arrival times:

HY423 (Tashkent – Delhi):
Departure from Tashkent – 11:00
Arrival in Delhi – 14:30

HY424 (Delhi – Tashkent):
Departure from Delhi – 16:00
Arrival in Tashkent – 18:30

All times are local. Uzbekistan Airways apologised for any inconvenience and urged passengers to stay informed about further updates.

Earlier, Centrum Air also announced schedule changes. Flights C6403/6404 on the Tashkent–Moscow–Tashkent route were rescheduled due to delays on a previous flight. The revised departure from Tashkent is at...

Uzbekistan Airways has suspended flights between Tashkent and Tel Aviv from June 16 to 30, according to the airline’s official Telegram channel.

Passengers affected by the cancellations may request a refund or rebook their tickets for a later date, the company said.

Earlier, the airline also announced plans to adjust flights from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. On June 14, Flydubai also cancelled its flights to Uzbekistan.

On Friday, June 13, the Israeli military launched missile strikes targeting Iran’s military and nuclear facilities. Tehran responded with a counterattack shortly afterwards.

Kursiv Uzbekistan...

Uzbekistan Airways has announced changes to its flight schedule between Tashkent and two international destinations — Dubai and Sharm El-Sheikh — due to temporary restrictions on the use of Iranian airspace.

The revised schedule applies from 15 to 30 June 2025.

Flight HY333/334 (Tashkent – Dubai – Tashkent):

Flight HY341/342 (Tashkent – Sharm El-Sheikh – Tashkent):

Tuesdays:

Wednesdays and Sundays:

Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency has issued a warning to citizens working in Japan about fraud schemes targeting foreign workers. The agency published the message on its official Telegram channel.

Officials urged migrants to carefully check their official documents and visa terms before accepting any job offers. “Report any suspicious proposals to the local authorities or the Uzbek embassy,” the agency said.

Uzbek nationals in Japan should not use other people’s bank cards or agree to requests involving the opening of resident cards. Authorities also advised citizens to stay away from illegal offers, including tax exemption schemes, side jobs, and...

On Friday, June 13, the Tashkent Interdistrict Economic Court ordered Humans to repay a debt of UZS 500 bn (approx. $39.5 mln) to Octobank, the bank’s press service reported.

Octobank described the ruling as a crucial step in protecting its legal rights and stated that it remains open to fair and transparent partnerships.

The dispute became public in June 2025, when Octobank filed a lawsuit against Humans, accusing the company of breaching contract terms.

Shortly after, Humans announced plans to file a counterclaim against Octobank, seeking UZS 403.7 bn (approx. $31.9 mln) in damages.

Previously, Kursiv...

Uzbekistani nationals, alongside citizens of other countries and a film crew led by Russian director Fyodor Bondarchuk, are being evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan, according to TASS.

Authorities plan to evacuate 88 people with the support of Baku. By 14:02 Tashkent time, the first bus carrying Russian nationals had already arrived in Azerbaijan.

On June 13, Israel launched missile strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, killing army personnel and scientists involved in the country’s atomic programme.

In response, Iran struck back by hitting Israel’s Ministry of Defence building. Tehran reported that 95 Iranians...

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a loan of $6 mln to Angren Group, the only manufacturer of fibreglass sheets in Uzbekistan, according to the bank’s press service.

The funding will support the purchase of new equipment and expand the company’s fibreglass sheet production. Part of the loan will also go toward corporate restructuring.

The Japan–EBRD Cooperation Fund is financing the project.

The EBRD noted that Angren Group remains Uzbekistan’s sole producer of fibreglass sheets, a material commonly used in plasterboard production.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that the EBRD would allocate $250 mln to...

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov and his Belarusian counterpart Maksim Ryzhenkov visited the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan border, according to Dunyo. The two officials travelled across the Friendship Bridge, which connects Termez and Hairatan.

During the visit, Saidov and Ryzhenkov discussed the expansion of trade routes through Afghanistan. They also explored opportunities for coordinating humanitarian assistance and ensuring stability in border regions.

The Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the meeting as a symbol of strong partnership and mutual trust.

«Regional security, humanitarian cooperation, and practical steps to strengthen ties — all these were...

Uzbekistan has recorded its most expensive vehicle licence plate sale to date. On June 13, the plate number 10 777 ZZZ sold at an online auction for UZS 1.56 bn, equivalent to over $122,000 at the Central Bank’s current exchange rate.

The lot initially started at UZS 187.5 mln, but intense bidding pushed the price more than eightfold.

In addition to the final bid, the buyer paid a commission of UZS 78.2 mln and a deposit of UZS 18.75 mln, bringing the total transaction amount to UZS 1.657 bn.

This marks the highest price ever paid for a licence...

Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Makhkamov, has clarified the rules governing taxi operations, confirming that drivers from other regions are permitted to work in Tashkent—provided their licence explicitly states the capital as their area of operation.

According to the minister, a taxi licence must indicate the specific region in which the driver is authorised to operate. If a driver holds an interregional licence without Tashkent listed, they are not allowed to work in the capital. Each licence is valid for one region only, and drivers cannot simultaneously operate in both their home region and Tashkent.

Earlier, the Ministry’s spokesperson,

Uzbekistan Airports has confirmed the cancellation of several international flights to and from Tashkent following the closure of Iranian airspace.

On June 13, FlyDubai cancelled its FZ-1945 and FZ-1946 flights on the Dubai–Tashkent–Dubai route.

Air Arabia also suspended operations for flights G9-270 and G9-271 between Sharjah and Tashkent.

In addition, Asia Union Airlines cancelled its 7Q-141 and 7Q-142 flights operating on the Tashkent–Medina–Tashkent route.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported that several aircraft were diverted to land in Tashkent after Iranian airspace was closed.

The Ministry of Justice of Uzbekistan has officially registered Tukhum Barak, a traditional dish from the Khorezm region, as a geographical indication.

Tukhum Barak is known for its distinctive preparation method, unique ingredients, and deep roots in the ancient culinary traditions of Khorezm. It is widely enjoyed across the region and represents the area’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage.

With this recognition, the dish now benefits from legal protection, safeguarding its quality and reputation. It also strengthens its position as a regional brand of Khorezm.

A geographical indication is a type of intellectual property that certifies a product’s special characteristics linked...

Former England footballer and Manchester United star David Beckham has been knighted, officially becoming Sir David, Kommersant reports. The honour was awarded as part of King Charles III’s official birthday celebrations.

The honours list also includes The Who frontman Roger Daltrey and acclaimed actor Gary Oldman.

Beckham earned 117 caps for the England national team, played 394 matches for Manchester United, and appeared in 124 games for LA Galaxy. As of early 2025, his net worth is estimated at $450 mln.

Since retiring, Beckham has remained a prominent public figure. As of June, he co-owns Inter Miami football club. He...

Iranian missiles have struck an Israeli nuclear facility in Dimona, according to Russian broadcaster VGTRK.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the attacks specifically targeted decision-making centres and military-political command posts within Israel.

Iran’s Air Force also reported the downing of two Israeli F-35 fighter jets and several drones. However, Israeli officials have denied claims regarding the loss of any aircraft.

This marks the third wave of Iranian missile strikes launched in retaliation for Israel’s overnight attack on June 13. Tehran has named the military operation Truthful Promise-3.

According to Iranian authorities, at least 78 people...

UAE-based airline Flydubai has cancelled its scheduled flights for June 14 to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and several other destinations, according to RIA Novosti citing the airline.

The Flydubai press office stated that the safety of passengers and staff remains the company’s top priority.

Another UAE airline, Air Arabia, has also suspended flights to Uzbekistan and other CIS countries until June 14.

The cancellations follow rising tensions in the Iran–Israel conflict. On the night of June `13, Israel launched strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, prompting a retaliatory response from Tehran.

Earlier, Kursiv Uzbekistan reported

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...