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Environment

“Acid clouds” from Iran? Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Weather Agencies Say There is No Threat to Central Asia

Social media has been flooded with claims that a toxic cloud could drift from Iran toward Central Asia following strikes on oil facilities. However, the meteorological services of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan say those fears are not supported by scientific data. In recent days, posts online have warned of so-called “acid clouds” allegedly forming over Iran after attacks on oil depots and other energy infrastructure. Some of these posts claimed the pollution could be carried by atmospheric currents toward Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and China. Others cited reports of “black rain” in Tehran and elevated concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot. Iranian authorities and international reporting have documented severe local air pollution risks in and around Tehran after the strikes. The Iranian Red Crescent Society warned residents that rainfall following the explosions could be acidic and hazardous to health. Experts said the pollution could irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs and contaminate soil and water near the affected areas. Kazhydromet, Kazakhstan’s national weather service, said reports that “acid clouds” from Iran could reach Central Asia are not confirmed by scientific data or observation results. The agency explained that acid precipitation typically forms near the source of emissions and that the concentration of pollutants decreases significantly over long distances due to natural atmospheric processes. Monitoring data, it said, show no signs of such pollution moving toward Kazakhstan or other Central Asian countries. Uzbekistan’s hydrometeorological service, Uzhydromet, expressed a similar position. It said information circulating on social media about “acid clouds” reaching Central Asian countries has no scientific basis. According to the agency, dangerous concentrations of acid precipitation thousands of kilometres from the source are practically impossible, and current observations show no threat to Uzbekistan or neighbouring states. Experts note that large fires at oil facilities can release substantial amounts of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. However, such risks are primarily local or regional near the source. By the time emissions travel very long distances, atmospheric dispersion and deposition typically reduce concentrations sharply. As a result, the health concerns reported in Tehran do not support claims of a toxic cloud threatening Central Asia. Both Kazhydromet and Uzhydromet urged the public and media outlets to rely on official information and avoid spreading unverified reports.

Water Management

Uzbekistan Allocates $49 Million to Prevent Water Shortages and Upgrade Canals

Uzbekistan will allocate 600 billion UZS (about $49 million) this year to improve water management and reduce the risk of shortages, according to a presidential decision issued on March 5. The funding will support additional measures aimed at using water resources more efficiently and preparing for potential water scarcity during the irrigation season. Under the plan, most of the funds will be directed toward modernizing irrigation infrastructure. The government intends to reconstruct and concrete 389 kilometers of irrigation canals that currently experience high levels of water loss. Officials say these improvements could help save an average of 206 million cubic meters of water and 26 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. The work is also expected to improve water supply for about 158,400 hectares of irrigated farmland across the country. According to the decision, 480 billion UZS (about $39.5 million) will be allocated specifically for concreting canals and irrigation networks, while the remaining 120 billion UZS (about $9.8 million) will fund other measures aimed at preventing water shortages and improving water management. The initiative will be implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources in cooperation with regional authorities, including the government of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and provincial administrations. The ministry, together with the Ministry of Economy and Finance, has been instructed to prepare a detailed list of priority canal reconstruction projects within one week and submit it to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. Officials said the irrigation repairs will follow a “one canal - one system” principle, meaning priority will be given to irrigation networks connected to canals that have already been partially modernized or are currently undergoing reconstruction. The funds will be allocated from additional state budget revenues generated during the first quarter of 2026. Water management has become an increasing priority for Uzbekistan as the country seeks to modernize aging infrastructure and address growing pressure on water resources in agriculture. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that the government is also working on a long-term strategy to expand access to clean drinking water nationwide, with a goal of providing 85% of the population with reliable drinking water services by 2030, according to proposals developed by the Agency for Strategic Reforms.

Justice

Mirziyoyev: Violence Against Women and Children Will Not Be Tolerated in Uzbekistan

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced tougher measures against violence toward women and children, and unveiled new economic and education programs aimed at expanding opportunities for women across Uzbekistan. Speaking on March 6 at a ceremony in Tashkent marking International Women’s Day, the president referred to a decree he signed on March 3 that strengthens the country’s response to domestic violence. According to remarks reported by Uzbek media and the presidential press service, the decree introduces a stricter system for addressing harassment and violence against women and minors. Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan has adopted the creation of an uncompromising environment against violence as a strategic goal. “Anyone who raises a hand against women or children will either leave Uzbekistan or be forced to live according to the law,” he said during the event held at the Kuksaroy residence. Mirziyoyev also stated that the decree includes tougher penalties for certain crimes against minors. According to his remarks, in some cases crimes involving pedophilia will now carry life imprisonment. He noted that legal experts had raised objections during discussions but said he insisted on including the punishment in the decree. In addition to legal measures, Mirziyoyev outlined several initiatives focused on education, employment, and rehabilitation programs for women. According to statements made during the event, women serving sentences in correctional facilities will be given the opportunity to apply to universities and study remotely. Officials said many female inmates currently have only secondary education and lack professional skills, while some have expressed interest in pursuing higher education. To address this, the government plans to launch a program called “New Life,” which will provide vocational training for women in prisons. Participants will study for three to six months in professional training programs and receive certificates. Those who wish to enter universities will be able to take entrance exams inside correctional institutions. Women admitted to universities on a contract basis will be eligible for interest-free loans, repayable after completing their sentences and securing employment. The government also plans to expand economic support for women nationwide. According to Mirziyoyev's speech, 166,000 women will receive training in modern professions and entrepreneurship this year, while another 100,000 will study information technology skills. A separate initiative called “Daromadli Ayol” (“Profitable Woman”) will support home-based businesses. With the help of experienced entrepreneurs, the program aims to create employment for 50,000 women in areas such as handicrafts, poultry farming, beekeeping, and household agriculture. Officials also said that under the “Hamroh” program, around 1 trillion UZS (about $82,440,000) will be allocated to finance 3,000 business projects led by women. Overall, the government aims to help 1.5 million women generate income this year, including 400,000 who are expected to enter business activities. More than 25 trillion UZS (about $2,060,950,000) in financial resources will be directed toward these initiatives.

International Women's Day

On International Women’s Day, Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva Names Uzbekistan’s Female Athletes an “Inspiration”

For International Women’s Day on 8 March, Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of Uzbekistan’s National Agency for Social Protection, has shared comments with The Times of Central Asia in which she gives particular praise to the country’s sportswomen. Mirziyoyeva said: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I would like to praise Uzbekistan’s female athletes for inspiring more girls and women and giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams.” Fitness and active pursuits are increasingly at the forefront of government policy, as the country’s Soglom inson - soglom millat (“Healthy Person, Healthy Nation”) initiative – introduced by Mirziyoyeva’s father, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev – gains momentum. Mirziyoyeva added that sport enables women and girls to become leaders, namechecking Olympic gold medalist judoka Diyora Keldiyorova and taekwondo athlete Svetlana Osipova among those who promote active lifestyles. Mirziyoyeva was involved in establishing the Association of Adaptive Sports in Uzbekistan – a platform to unify and develop Uzbek parasports, and create opportunities for athletes with disabilities. She is First Deputy Chairperson of Uzbekistan’s Paralympic Committee, whose athletes are currently competing at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina. “To the female athletes currently competing in Milano Cortina, your perseverance is an inspiration to us all,” her message to The Times of Central Asia continues, mentioning long-jumper Asila Mirzayorova and taekwondo athlete Guljonoy Naimova as Uzbek competitors carrying the country’s hopes at the Paralympics. “May your performances in Italy continue to build a legacy of inclusion and excellence that inspires generations to come - not only in Uzbekistan, but around the world.” Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva’s message comes at the start of a standout year for Uzbek sports. The country’s football team will make its first appearance at a FIFA World Cup at the tournament in North America this summer. Samarkand will host the World Triathlon Championship Series on 25-26 April, then the 46th Chess Olympiad in September. The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup comes to Tashkent in October.

Society

Uzbek Citizen Detained in Israel After Video Mocking Civilians During Rocket Alert

An Uzbek citizen working in Israel has been detained after a video circulated online showing him mocking civilians rushing to bomb shelters during a rocket alert. The video, widely shared on social media, was first posted in a Facebook group for people from Bukhara. It shows people running toward shelters after warning sirens sounded, while the man filming the scene can be heard laughing and making derogatory remarks. In the recording, he says, “Look how the rats are running,” while filming civilians attempting to reach safety during what appears to be a missile warning. The footage quickly sparked outrage among Israeli social media users, many of whom described the comments as offensive and inappropriate given that civilians were seeking protection from a potential attack. Posts circulating within the Bukharan community claimed that Israeli singer Avi Hen later recognized the individual on the street and alerted authorities. Police reportedly arrived shortly afterward and detained the man for questioning. Officials said the detention was carried out on suspicion of incitement and disturbing public order. An investigation into the case is ongoing. Meanwhile, the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Israel released an official statement addressing the incident. According to the embassy, the episode occurred on February 28, when an Uzbek citizen identified as N.H. uploaded a video to TikTok during a rocket attack while air-raid sirens were sounding. The embassy said the video contained inappropriate language and was later widely shared across Israeli social media platforms. The statement added that an Israeli citizen identified as A.H. subsequently contacted the police about the video. After learning about the situation, the embassy’s consular department contacted the Uzbek citizen and held a conversation with him. Embassy representatives also communicated with the Israeli citizen who filed the complaint. According to the embassy, the Uzbek national is currently safe, and the situation remains under the supervision of the consular department.

Iran

Iran’s Ambassador in Tashkent Defends Tehran’s Position on Middle East Conflict

Iran’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mohammad Ali Iskandari, has held a press conference in Tashkent during which he sharply criticizing the United States and Israel for the escalating war in the Middle East. According to the Uzbek diplomatic news platform UzDiplomat, Iskandari spoke with journalists about Tehran’s position on the fighting and the broader political tensions. “We are fighting a mindset, the mindset that everything belongs to them,” Iskandari said on Wednesday, referring to Israel and the United States. “We did not start this war,” the ambassador said, adding that the escalation began while diplomatic negotiations were still underway. He said the conflict was closely tied to Israel’s regional policies and the decisions of its leadership. According to Uzbek journalist Sharofiddin Tulaganov, who attended the event and later described it on his Telegram channel, Iskandari said the air strike that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei was a violation of international law. Iran’s theocratic leadership has long been a source of international concern because of its nuclear program, sponsorship of proxy forces in the Middle East, and bloody crackdowns on protesters seeking more freedom. U.S. President Donald Trump and senior administration officials cited those concerns in the run-up to the air strike campaign, indicating that the United States wants a change of leadership in Iran. The Iranian ambassador also condemned an alleged air strike that hit a school in Iran, killing, by Iskandari’s account, 168 Iranian girls between the ages of seven and twelve. The U.S. military has said it is investigating the incident. The ambassador maintained that Iran’s military actions have targeted only specific facilities, including U.S. military bases and intelligence centers belonging to the United States and Israel. However, some missiles and drones fired from Iran have reportedly hit civilian locations in several Gulf Arab states, and Azerbaijan said that drones launched from Iranian territory struck Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on Thursday. It said one drone fell on the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, while another crashed near a school in the village of Shekerabad. Governments in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries have tried to maintain a balance, keeping in touch with their Iranian counterparts while expressing support for Gulf states that have activated air defense facilities because of the Iranian threat.