Kazakhstan Bets on Iran Port Despite Regional Tensions

Despite lingering tension between the United States and Iran, Kazakhstan is planning to build a terminal at the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas to facilitate exports. In comments made before a joint session of the Kazakh parliament in late June, Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin said no state funds would be used in developing the planned facility, which will occupy roughly 15 hectares at the Iranian port. “The project will be implemented at the expense of private investment. As far as I know, the agreement is already at the final…