At a time when speculation over a possible military confrontation between Iran and the United States has resurfaced once again, and many Western analysts argue that the Islamic Republic’s regional influence is weakening, a new report by the Hudson Institute in Washington suggests Tehran is instead looking for new areas to expand its reach. During a panel discussion titled “Georgia at a Geopolitical Crossroads: Iranian Influence and Strategic Competition,” the think tank warned U.S. officials that Iran continues to deepen its presence in the South Caucasus, particularly in Georgia, once considered one of Washington’s key regional allies.
Speakers at the session argued that Georgia’s gradual distancing from the West under the rule of the “Georgian Dream” party has created room for the Islamic Republic to build a broad and layered network of influence. According to the panel, this network stretches from sanctions-evasion activities to religious, educational, cultural, and political operations. They described the shift as more than a simple diplomatic realignment, warning that it could eventually create security concerns for the West, especially because Georgian citizens enjoy visa-free travel access to Europe and the United States.
