Why it matters:
The commemoration highlighted the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary legitimacy abroad and reinforced Iran–Kazakhstan relations as part of Tehran’s broader diplomacy in Eurasia.
The big picture:
Nearly five decades after the 1979 Islamic Revolution dismantled a foreign-backed dictatorship, Iran continues to project its revolutionary narrative, sovereignty, and regional partnerships amid shifting dynamics across West Asia and Eurasia.
What he's saying:
Sona Ahmadi, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Almaty, said the Islamic Revolution was the manifestation of a nation’s will in 1979, rooted in faith, historical identity, and the pursuit of independence, defeating a regime that prioritized foreign interests over the Iranian people.
She stressed that the Revolution was not merely a transfer of political power but the foundation of national sovereignty, popular governance, dignity, and independence.
Ahmadi added that despite complex regional and international developments over the past five decades, Iran has achieved significant progress by relying on domestic capacities, social cohesion, and skilled human resources.
She emphasized that Iran–Kazakhstan relations have remained friendly and based on good neighborliness since Kazakhstan’s independence, noting that presidential exchanges over 35 years culminated in the signing of 21 memoranda of understanding worth more than $1 billion during the most recent visit by Iran’s president.
What they're saying:
Zhanibek Abdrashov, head of the Almaty office of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Islamic Republic of Iran is more than just a neighbor for Kazakhstan, describing the comprehensive and growing bilateral relations—driven by the will of both presidents—as a key pillar of ties between the two countries.
Key points:
- The ceremony was attended by consuls general, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, and members of Kazakhstan’s academic community.
- Representatives of both governments jointly cut a ceremonial cake bearing the flags of Iran and Kazakhstan.
Go deeper:
Public commemorations of the Islamic Revolution abroad serve as a soft-power platform for Iran to articulate its revolutionary values, national independence, and resistance to foreign domination. In Central Asia, expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan aligns with Tehran’s long-term strategy to deepen Eurasian partnerships, diversify economic ties, and counter unilateral pressure through regional diplomacy.
ahmad shirzadian
