ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 4. More than 200
foreign nationals from 16 countries have entered Turkmenistan from
Iran as of March 4,
Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA.


The ministry reports that all international checkpoints along
the state border are functioning normally. In a move to facilitate
the transit of foreign citizens, road vehicles, and railway
transport, Turkmenistan is taking steps to enhance conditions at
the Turkmen-Iranian border, particularly in light of the ongoing
developments in the Middle East region.


Individuals entering Turkmenistan comprise citizens from a
diverse array of nations, including Central Asian countries, China,
Russia, the United States, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands,
Germany, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and several others.


Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington
and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S.
increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150
aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East.


The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between
Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the
administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations
were viewed as the final chance to strike a deal diplomatically.
However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt
uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept
indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its
airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister
Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive.







In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by
Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly
resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei
and several members of his family.


Additionally, several of Iran’s most senior military and
security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief
of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme
Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and
Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh.


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