Rising Tensions with Iran: Citizens of Turkmenistan Have the Right to Know the Truth

Rising Tensions with Iran: Citizens of Turkmenistan Have the Right to Know the Truth Statement by the Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanch” – Turkmenistan In recent days, independent media outlets have reported alarming information about rising tensions between Iran and Turkmenistan. According to the independent outlet Turkmen.news, Iranian officials have issued strong statements and military threats toward Turkmenistan over allegations that satellite infrastructure associated with Turkmenistan is being used to broadcast the Persian-language television channel Iran International, which is known for its critical coverage of the Iranian authorities. Source: https://turkmen.news/2026/03/16/iran-vystupil-s-voennymi-ugrozami-v-adres-turkmenistana-za-predostavlenie-sputnika-telekanalu-iran-international/⁠� At the same time, reports are emerging about growing concerns in Iran’s border regions. According to Hronika TM, ethnic Turkmens living in border areas of Iran are seeking temporary refuge with relatives in villages in Turkmenistan due to fears of possible escalation and instability. Source: https://www.hronikatm.com/2026/03/prozhivayushhie-v-prigranichnyh-rajonah-irana-turkmeny-ishhut-ubezhishhe-u-rodstvennikov-v-derevnyah-turkmenistana/⁠� These reports raise serious concerns, as they relate to the potential safety of residents in border regions and the country as a whole. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the government of Turkmenistan has not made any official public statement, leaving citizens without clear information about the developments. The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanch” – Turkmenistan considers such silence unacceptable. Citizens of Turkmenistan have the right to know the real situation, especially when it concerns potential threats to national and public security. We therefore call on the Government of Turkmenistan to: issue an open and official public statement regarding the situation; provide citizens with reliable information about potential risks and safety measures; explain what residents of border regions should do in case of a possible threat; inform the public what measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the population; clarify whether evacuation plans exist in case of an emergency; ensure strict monitoring of prices for food and essential goods in order to prevent speculation and panic. In times of potential regional tension, transparency and timely public communication are essential responsibilities of the state. The concealment of information and the absence of official explanations only increase anxiety among citizens and create an atmosphere of uncertainty. The Human Rights Platform of the Civil Movement “Dayanch” – Turkmenistan emphasizes that ensuring the safety of the population, transparency, and the timely provision of information must be a priority for any responsible government. Citizens have the right to know the truth.