Kazakh President Tokayev on Iran: Dual Power Undermines Stability

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has clarified his country's stance on the escalating situation in Iran and the broader Middle East. Responding to a journalist's question, he reaffirmed Kazakhstan's traditional commitment to peaceful, diplomatic conflict resolution.

The journalist had inquired whether recent diplomatic actions—specifically phone calls with Gulf Arab leaders expressing solidarity, but not with the Iranian president—signaled a shift away from Kazakhstan's neutral position. Tokayev firmly denied any such change in policy.

"Kazakhstan has always been known for its peacefulness and commitment to peaceful, diplomatic means of resolving conflicts," stated the President. "This position remains unchanged."

Tokayev acknowledged the conversations with Gulf state leaders, confirming expressions of solidarity. Regarding Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Tokayev noted his recent official visit to Kazakhstan left a "very favorable impression." He described Pezeshkian as a secular-minded cardiologist and welcomed his initial statement that Iran would not attack Gulf Arab countries, even noting an apology offered on Iran's behalf.

"But then his statements were disavowed, effectively annulled. Iran attacked and continues to attack Arab countries of the Gulf. This indicates that the President of Iran does not possess full power. This is a fact," said Tokayev.

The Kazakh leader linked this contradiction directly to Iran's unique power structure. "On one hand, there is religious authority that defines main directions and makes decisions. But there is also a President who is formally the head of state but is not actually the key figure," he explained.

Tokayev then issued a broader warning drawn from Kazakhstan's own history: "In all countries, including Kazakhstan, there should be no dual power. We could not withstand this system in our time; it virtually undermined stability in our country four years ago. Therefore, I think this is a big lesson for many countries, including Kazakhstan."

Despite this critique of Iran's governance, Tokayev expressed unwavering respect for the Iranian people, their culture, and distinctive history. He concluded by reiterating that Kazakhstan remains a peaceful nation without deviation from its principled stance.

The context for these remarks stems from recent Middle East tensions. Following military escalations involving the US, Iran, and Israel in late February, President Tokayev sent official messages to leaders of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. These communications formally condemned military actions threatening the sovereignty and security of these friendly Arab states.

While initially welcoming President Pezeshkian's pledge against attacking neighbors—a move Tokayev called an important step to ease tensions—subsequent continued Iranian strikes led to condemnation from Astana. On March 10th,Tokayev denounced rocket attacks and drone strikes from Iranian territory on the United Arab Emirates which caused civilian casualties and damaged infrastructure.