Georgia Distances Itself from EUs New Sanctions Against Iran

Tbilisi, August 22: Georgia has refused to participate in the European Union’s (EU) newly imposed sanctions against Iran. According to the Georgian news agency Interpressnews (IPN), the government has made it clear that its decisions regarding international politics will be determined solely based on national interests.

Tengiz Sharmanashvili, a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, stated that Georgia will not support any policy that contradicts its own priorities and interests. He emphasized, “The only criterion for Georgia’s involvement in any proposal or international political action is whether it serves Georgia’s interests at that time.”

Sharmanashvili added that if any international decision goes against Georgia’s national interests, there is no question of supporting it. He noted that it does not matter if such a decision favors another country or party.

According to IPN, Georgia’s stance reflects a distancing from the EU’s sanctions policy against Iran. Tbilisi has framed its decision in relation to its national interests and independent foreign policy, rather than aligning with another country’s position.

Sharmanashvili also referenced Turkey and Serbia, stating that despite being EU candidate countries, neither has adopted the recent EU sanctions. This stance is particularly significant in the context of Georgia’s long-standing aspirations for European integration.

Recently, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced three decisions regarding changes to the sanctions regime against Iran. This included the removal and addition of several individuals from the sanctions list, along with updates on an organization. All other sanctions will remain in effect.

Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway have supported the new sanctions imposed by the EU. Additionally, aspiring EU members Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Ukraine have also aligned with these measures.