Georgia is becoming Iran’s sanctions evasion hub
The Hill
by Keti Korkiya, opinion contributorFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Georgia has emerged as a significant hub for Iranian sanctions evasion, with 72 companies importing Iranian oil and petroleum products between 2022 and 2025. This development underscores growing economic ties between Georgia and Iran, despite international efforts to isolate Tehran through sanctions. The Georgian government’s increasing political alignment with Iran is seen as undermining U.S.-led initiatives to establish transit and energy corridors that bypass Russia and Iran, raising concerns about regional stability and energy security.
Georgia’s strategic location along key trade routes makes it an attractive pathway for Iranian exports to circumvent sanctions. Historically, Georgia has maintained strong economic and political ties with Iran, dating back to the early 2000s when then-President Mikheil Saakashvili sought to diversify Georgia’s energy partnerships. This relationship has grown more pronounced under current Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who has pursued closer economic and diplomatic ties with Tehran, despite concerns from Western allies.
The rise of Georgia as a sanctions evasion hub poses significant challenges for U.S. foreign policy in the region. The U.S. had hoped to leverage Georgia’s geography to create alternative energy routes, such as the proposed Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline or the Southern Gas Corridor, which aim to reduce European dependence on Russian and Iranian gas supplies. However, Georgia’s increasing cooperation with Iran threatens these plans, potentially weakening U
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/26/2026