Bishkek/Muscat, March 4, 2026 – Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has conveyed messages of sincere support and solidarity to the leadership and people of Oman in the wake of Iran’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes on Gulf states, including Oman. The gesture comes as the region grapples with the fallout from the large-scale US-Israeli military operation against Iran that began on February 28, 2026, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and over 866 people, including more than 150 elementary school girls according to Iranian authorities.
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubayev announced on Wednesday that he personally delivered President Japarov’s message during a telephone conversation with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi. In the call, Kulubayev expressed Kyrgyzstan’s deep concern over the escalation and reaffirmed Bishkek’s support for Muscat amid the attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. He also extended gratitude to Oman for its assistance in facilitating the safe repatriation of Kyrgyz citizens stranded in Persian Gulf nations due to airspace closures, flight suspensions, and heightened security risks.
The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry issued a statement detailing the discussion, noting that the two foreign ministers exchanged views on the current regional situation and its implications for stability and security “in this part of the world.” Both sides underscored the urgent need to resolve all existing conflicts exclusively through diplomatic channels to restore calm and prevent further deterioration as quickly as possible.
Iran’s retaliatory campaign, which commenced shortly after the initial US-Israeli strikes, has involved waves of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones targeting Israeli military sites and what Tehran described as “US interests” across eight Arab countries: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Iraq. While the majority of strikes focused on military installations and US-affiliated bases—such as Al Udeid in Qatar and facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait—some attacks reportedly caused collateral damage to civilian property and infrastructure. The Gulf Cooperation Council issued a joint condemnation of the strikes, describing them as “unacceptable violations of sovereignty” and calling for an immediate halt to hostilities.
Oman, known for its traditionally neutral and mediating role in regional disputes, has faced direct impacts from the crisis despite its non-aligned stance. Iranian projectiles were reported over Omani airspace, and limited damage occurred near strategic sites, prompting Muscat to strengthen defensive postures and coordinate with GCC partners. The country has also played a key role in humanitarian efforts, including assisting foreign nationals—including Kyrgyz citizens—in returning home amid disrupted commercial aviation.
President Japarov’s expression of solidarity reflects Kyrgyzstan’s broader foreign policy of supporting peaceful resolution and regional stability, particularly in light of Central Asia’s proximity to conflict zones and dependence on secure trade and energy routes. Bishkek has consistently advocated dialogue over confrontation in international forums and maintains balanced relations with both Iran and GCC states.
The phone call between the foreign ministers highlights growing diplomatic outreach by Gulf nations to partners beyond the immediate region as they seek to contain the crisis and mitigate its economic and security repercussions. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to most commercial traffic due to Iranian threats, global energy prices remain elevated—Brent crude hovering around $82 per barrel—and LNG supplies strained following force majeure declarations by QatarEnergy.
The Kyrgyz-Omani exchange aligns with similar statements from other nations, including Belarus, the UAE, and Uzbekistan, all calling for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. The emphasis on resolving conflicts “solely through diplomatic channels” underscores a shared concern that continued military action risks drawing in additional actors and triggering unpredictable consequences.
As the conflict enters its sixth day—with ongoing exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel, Hezbollah’s attacks from Lebanon, and persistent Iranian strikes on US-linked targets—the international community faces mounting pressure to broker a ceasefire. Oman’s historical role as a mediator, combined with Kyrgyzstan’s voice from Central Asia, adds to the chorus urging restraint and negotiation during the holy month of Ramadan.
The situation remains fluid, with no immediate signs of de-escalation. However, diplomatic conversations such as the one between Bishkek and Muscat demonstrate that channels for dialogue persist even amid intense hostilities, offering a potential pathway toward stabilizing the region before the crisis spirals further.
