Uzbekistan

▪️ The Constitutional Court of Uzbekistan has reviewed a proposal to extend the presidential term from five to seven years and raise the minimum age for presidential candidates from 35 to 40 years. The court's decision follows discussions in the Supreme Assembly of Uzbekistan, marking significant shifts in the country's political framework.

▪️ Iran's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mohammad Ali Eskandari, stated during a press conference in Tashkent that Iran's strikes on targets in neighboring states are purely defensive in nature and constitute a response to the use of their territories against the Islamic Republic. He recalled that Tehran had previously warned that if military bases in adjacent countries were used for attacks, they would become legitimate targets.

▪️ The Central Bank has allowed commercial banks and payment organizations to voluntarily implement a function for indicating the purpose of transactions when conducting card-to-card transfers in mobile applications. This decision was made within the framework of executing the presidential decree dated December 10, 2025, "On Additional Measures to Popularize Cashless Payments and Reduce the Share of the Shadow Economy."

▪️ Construction of a globally renowned Ritz-Carlton hotel is underway on land adjacent to the National Park in Tashkent, with a foreign company serving as the developer. Previously, it was reported that 12 trees were felled at the site, causing environmental damage estimated at 351 million Uzbek soums. At recent public hearings, a representative of the investor stated that 10 trees were transplanted, while 2 apricot trees were cut down without authorization by a contracting organization.

▪️ The Uzbekistan youth national team (U-20) has secured a spot in the Asian Championship. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the development of football in the country.

▪️ Against the backdrop of global conflicts, such as the escalation around Iran and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Central Asian region stands out for its peaceful and stable condition. This is a result of the region's pragmatic foreign policy and an approach based on interdependence. Today, key questions revolve around how internal relations and order are shaped in the region, as well as its role in Eurasian and international affairs.

▪️ In a press conference held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Iran’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan, Mohammad Ali Eskandari, made sharp remarks about US President Donald Trump. The diplomat described Trump as “a person who values nothing at all and does not follow any rules,” highlighting the perceived unpredictability of the US regime’s foreign policy.

▪️ According to the Traffic Safety Service, cases of individuals driving vehicles while having their licenses revoked will now be automatically detected through surveillance cameras installed on roads. This development marks a significant step in enforcing traffic regulations and combating violations, as authorities aim to enhance road safety through technological means.

▪️ Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a key speech at a meeting of Central Asian leaders, outlining a series of proposals to strengthen regional cooperation and stimulate economic development. He emphasized the importance of expanding transport corridors, energy resources, and trade links, which he claimed could contribute to the stability and growth of the region.

▪️ On March 4, the master plan for "New Tashkent," a new urban center designed to accommodate approximately 2 million residents, was presented in Tashkent. According to Sharaf Rajabov, Deputy Director of the New Tashkent City Construction Directorate under the Cabinet of Ministers, the project spans nearly 20,000 hectares, with a total construction volume potentially reaching 150 million square meters.

▪️ Football in Uzbekistan has shown significant growth in recent years, with youth national teams particularly achieving success in international competitions. At the 2023 Asian Cup, the youth team reached the quarter-finals, marking an important milestone in the country's football development. The team, led by coach Timur Kapadze, was recognized for its fighting spirit and technical skills.

▪️ The press service of the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan has announced the development of a draft decree "On Measures to Implement the National Program of Uzbekistan for the Fight Against Oncological Diseases for 2026-2035." This document aims to fundamentally improve the country's cancer control system over the next decade, addressing critical healthcare challenges.