Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has defended Tbilisi’s decision to comply with US sanctions targeting Iranian airlines, stressing that Georgia’s broader policy is to follow international sanctions regimes and prevent their circumvention.

Kobakhidze was responding to recent comments by Iranian Ambassador to Georgia Seyed Ali Moujani, who criticized the wider consequences of Tbilisi’s decision while acknowledging Georgia’s right to make its own decisions.

The United States announced new sanctions on September 8 targeting Iranian airlines and other entities connected to Iran’s aviation sector. Several of the affected carriers operate flights between Iran and Georgia. Georgia’s Civil Aviation Agency subsequently confirmed that the country would act in accordance with the international sanctions regime.

Kobakhidze stressed that Tbilisi’s position applies generally to international sanctions and is not directed specifically at Iran. He also indicated that Georgia would prefer to handle any concerns raised by the Iranian side through direct diplomatic channels rather than through public exchanges.

The Iranian ambassador had warned that the restrictions could have consequences beyond aviation and tourism. Moujani highlighted the role of Iranian visitors in Georgia’s economy and referred to the effects on hotels, restaurants, transport providers, retailers and other businesses that benefit from Iranian tourism.

Kobakhidze also raised broader social considerations, including the effect of restrictions on contacts between people in Georgia and Iran. In separate remarks, the ambassador referred to the preservation of language and identity among Fereydani communities and listed possible damage to social and human connections among the consequences of the new situation.

Moujani also stressed that Georgia was not the only possible destination for Iranian travelers. According to the Iranian ambassador, Iranians could consider other countries around the Black Sea if travel conditions with Georgia changed, while maintaining that Tehran continues to respect Georgia and the Georgian people.

The diplomatic exchange became more visible after the Iranian Embassy in Georgia published a map of the Black Sea region following Tbilisi’s announcement on sanctions. The map and accompanying comments prompted questions about whether Tehran intended to convey a broader political message.