Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Alibek Bakaev has commented on the possibility of ethnic Kazakhs from Iran and other countries in the region seeking protection amid the escalating military and political tensions in the Middle East, Zakon.kz reports.
On February 28, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Tehran, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including Iran's top leadership headed by Ayatollah Khamenei. In response, Iran fired missiles at U.S. military bases and Israeli targets across the region. Former U.S. President Donald Trump later commented on the elimination of the Iranian leader, further heightening international tensions.
Against this backdrop, discussions have intensified regarding potential population movements, including among ethnic Kazakhs residing in Iran and neighboring states. While no direct appeals have been recorded so far, Kazakh authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
"No official appeals from ethnic Kazakhs living in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries have been received by our ministry," emphasized Alibek Bakaev during a government sideline briefing.
He reiterated Kazakhstan's principled stance: "We adhere to a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states. Therefore, theoretically speaking, if citizens do apply, we are talking about their citizens, regardless of ethnic origin."
Responding to journalists' questions about the possibility of granting refugee status, Bakaev explained that such a procedure is provided for under Kazakh legislation and the country's international obligations. However, each case is assessed individually and must strictly meet established criteria: well-founded fears of persecution, or threats to life and personal security.
"Such protocols certainly exist, and government agencies, within their respective competencies, always know what actions to take. But I must stress once again: no such request has been made, there are no signals of this kind, and the issue remains under our monitoring," the Deputy Minister concluded.
Earlier, Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev announced the organization of evacuation measures for Kazakh citizens from Middle Eastern countries due to the unstable security environment. These steps are preventive in nature and aimed at safeguarding the lives and health of Kazakh nationals abroad.
Ethnic Kazakhs have lived in Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, and other regional countries for decades, often maintaining cultural and linguistic ties with their historical homeland.
- Kazakhstan consistently upholds principles of humanitarian responsibility while acting within the framework of international law and respect for the sovereignty of other states.
- Any decision on accepting refugees will be made with due regard to national security, migration capacity, and coordination with international organizations, including UNHCR.
At present, Astana reports no signs of mass displacement but remains prepared to respond to changing circumstances—through diplomatic channels, consular assistance, and, if necessary, humanitarian mechanisms.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 3, 2026