The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has warned that an escalation of the conflict involving Iran could create significant humanitarian challenges for Central Asia and the South Caucasus, including the risk of large-scale refugee movements.

Speaking after a meeting of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers, CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov said that a widening conflict in and around Iran could directly affect regions within the organization’s area of responsibility, The Caspian Post reports via TASS.

Masadykov said that an expansion of hostilities could lead to uncontrolled migration flows from the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan into Central Asian countries and the South Caucasus, creating additional security and humanitarian pressures for the region.

He noted that the situation remains a serious concern due to the strategic location of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, which lie along potential migration routes if instability spreads beyond Iran’s borders.

Masadykov also warned that the risk of renewed fighting in the Middle East remains relatively high despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. While welcoming the continuation of negotiations, he stressed that tensions remain elevated and that regional governments are closely monitoring developments.

“We hope that common sense will prevail and that the conflict will ultimately be resolved through political and diplomatic means at the negotiating table,” he said.

The CSTO chief emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation, arguing that a diplomatic solution remains the most effective way to avoid broader regional instability and humanitarian consequences.