In collaboration with
Fonti: The Jamestown Foundation
Georgia
(Beka Chedia/The Jamestown Foundation) Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party has signaled its desire to restore the suspended U.S.–Georgia strategic partnership and claimed active dialogue with Washington is underway. At the same time, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze rejected suggestions that Georgia must alter its domestic or foreign policies as a condition for improved relations. Tbilisi’s simultaneous deepening of ties with the People’s Republic of China, alongside growing engagement with Iran and pragmatic relations with Russia, has intensified U.S. scrutiny over foreign influence, intelligence penetration, and democratic backsliding in Georgia. Georgian Dream denies allegations that Georgia is drifting toward Russia, the People’s Republic of China, or Iran, arguing that economic ties with these countries remain limited. Critics, however, contend that the government’s growing engagement with non-Western powers risks undermining trust with Georgia’s traditional Western partners. – Georgian Dream Seeking U.S. Reset While Resisting Requisite Reforms – Jamestown
Russia, Iran, Gulf States
(Fuad Shahbazov – The Jamestown Foundation) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on April 27 about the ongoing conflict in and around Iran. The visit highlighted the two states’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, signed in January 2025. Russia has reaped some economic benefits from Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which raised oil demand and prices and caused the United States to ease sanctions on Russian oil already at sea. If Moscow shows robust military support for Iran, however, it risks damaging economic and diplomatic ties with other Gulf states. Russia is constrained from acting as a main mediator in the Iran conflict due to its war against Ukraine. The Iran conflict also endangers key trade corridors, including the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which links Russia and Iran via the Caucasus. – Russia Balances Relationship with Iran and Other Gulf States – Jamestown
