Rustam Burnashev, a security expert specializing in Central Asia, stated that Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords with Israel constitutes a purely symbolic and ideological step, given its minimal practical significance for Astana.
“Kazakhstan has no military conflict with Israel and there are no trade restrictions,” Burnashev explained. “The Abraham Accords are designed to normalize relations between Israel and certain Arab nations that previously had conflicts.”
He noted that Kazakhstan’s actions have raised concerns in Tehran.
“The matter may be addressed during upcoming bilateral talks between Kazakhstani and Iranian leaders, but such discussions are likely held in closed sessions,” Burnashev added. “Furthermore, it is improbable that Kazakhstan’s participation in the agreements with Israel will influence Iran’s position.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Astana from December 10-11 for negotiations aimed at increasing bilateral trade to $3 billion. The two nations are actively expanding cooperation in transport and logistics, including the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway corridor and a transshipment hub at Bandar Abbas port.
