There is currently no direct risk of missile strikes on Kazakhstan amid the escalating tensions in the Middle East. However, Central Asia could face another serious challenge — the potential spread of radicalization and terrorism.
This warning was delivered by Ali Akbar Jowkar, ambassador of Iran to Kazakhstan, during a recent briefing in Astana.
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According to the diplomat, as long as Iran’s legitimate government maintains control of the situation in the country, Kazakhstan faces no direct military threat. At the same time, he said, a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could create dangerous consequences for all of Central Asia.
«There are no risks or threats for Kazakhstan. However, for Central Asia, there is a danger that if the conflict continues, extremists and terrorists from Iran could infiltrate the countries in the region,» Jowkar said.
The ambassador added that he had no information about possible Iranian missile or drone strikes targeting facilities of the U.S., but stressed that Tehran «has no choice but to resist the attacks.»
Economic ripple effects and the Strait of Hormuz
Jowkar also said the outlook for global energy markets and the transportation of goods is currently «not encouraging.»
«This concerns both global energy and the transportation of goods,» he said. «Many countries in the region want the confrontation to end quickly, but are not taking real action to achieve this.»
The ambassador also commented on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments. He criticized proposals by Western countries — particularly France — to provide military escorts for tankers in the area.
«The presence of French ships will undermine the country’s security,» Jowkar said. «France or other members of the United Nations Security Council should submit a resolution condemning the aggression against Iran.»
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