CSTO warns of refugee flow risk if Iran conflict escalates

The head of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) has warned that an escalation of the conflict involving Iran could trigger an uncontrolled influx of refugees into Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Taalatbek Masadykov, the organisation’s Secretary General, made the remarks following a meeting of the CSTO Council of Defence Ministers, according to TASS.

“The conflict in Iran, around Iran, in the Middle East, it can directly affect the situation in the CSTO area of responsibility, because this includes the Caucasus, the South Caucasus region, and the Central Asian region. And if the conflict expands, naturally, humanitarian risks are possible, major risks. That is, an uncontrolled flow of refugees may come from the Middle East, from Afghanistan and Pakistan to the countries of Central Asia or the South Caucasus,” he said.

Masadykov also cautioned that the likelihood of renewed fighting in the Middle East remains significant, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

“It is encouraging that there is a negotiation process underway, but the risk of a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East is quite high. We are all monitoring the media statements by the President of the United States of America and statements by representatives of the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We hope that common sense will ultimately lead to this conflict being resolved and concluded at the negotiating table solely through political and diplomatic means,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova