Georgia Investigates Iranian Recruitment Claims as Experts and Opposition Figures are Summoned
By Messenger Staff
Monday, March 9, 2026
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has launched an investigation into allegations regarding foreign recruitment practices within the country, summoning several prominent experts and opposition figures for questioning.
The probe follows a series of reports suggesting the growing influence of Iran in Georgia, specifically through religious and educational institutions. While the SSSG did not name Iran directly in its initial statements, the agency confirmed it is studying the 'contents' and 'motives' of claims involving "the recruitment of personnel in Georgia by other countries."
The investigation comes on the heels of reports from Greece, where a Georgian national was recently arrested on suspicion of espionage at the Souda Naval Base. Investigators there are reportedly examining potential links between the individual and Iranian intelligence.
In a statement to RFE/RL's Georgian Service, the SSSG noted that it has the situation "under full control," but urged media outlets to "refrain from amplifying such issues in the current period" as it was 'counterproductive' for national security. The agency added that the "authors of the statements will be asked questions in every direction" to see if they can "name any concrete fact at least within the investigation."
Among those summoned are former Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli, researcher Giorgi Kandelaki, and opposition figures Gubaz Sanikidze and Givi Targamadze.
Khidasheli, who heads the Civic Idea think tank, recently claimed on TV Pirveli that a school in a minority-settled region is "practically illegally" operating as a training ground for fighters.
"They train fighters with the spirit: Death to America, Death to Israel," Khidasheli said.
Similarly, a recent study co-authored by Giorgi Kandelaki for the Hudson Institute pointed to institutions like Al-Mustafa International University, which the report says "operate openly in Georgia and promote Tehran-aligned religious doctrine."
Officials from the ruling Georgian Dream party have strongly dismissed the allegations. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze described the claims as "simply treason against the country" during a press briefing on March 5.
The investigation unfolds during a period of intense regional tension. On March 2, the Georgian Dream government expressed condolences following a series of strikes in Iran, stating that "the ongoing hostilities have claimed the highest number of lives, including the supreme leader, other political leaders, numerous innocent civilians, and dozens of children."
The Georgian Foreign Ministry confirmed that a deputy minister signed a book of condolences at the Iranian Embassy on March 7 to reiterate this position.
