Tbilisi clarifies official's participation in Iranian memorial amid diplomatic tensions

The Georgian Foreign Ministry has issued a clarification regarding the recent controversy surrounding Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Khvtisiashvili’s attendance of a memorial event organised by the Iranian Embassy in Tbilisi.

According to the Georgian Foreign Ministry, Khvtisiashvili merely signed the book of condolences honouring the victims of a recent incident in Iran. The statement came in response to backlash from the Israeli diplomatic mission in Georgia, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“On June 26, 2025, the Iranian Embassy sent an official note to the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the opening of a book of condolences at the Embassy. A corresponding entry was made in the book of condolences opened in Tbilisi regarding the deaths of Iranian citizens,” the Georgian Foreign Ministry stated.

The Ministry emphasised that Khvtisiashvili’s action was a diplomatic formality, following a prior statement issued on June 13, 2025, expressing Georgia’s concern over rising tensions in the Middle East.

“We are deeply concerned about the growing tension in the Middle East, which poses a serious threat to regional security. We underscore the importance of diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and the restoration of stability,” the earlier statement read.

However, the Iranian Embassy described the event differently in a statement released earlier this week.

“On Monday and Tuesday, June 30 and July 1, 2024, the Embassy of Iran in Tbilisi held a memorial event honoring the martyrs who lost their lives during the armed attack by the Israeli regime on Iran’s territorial integrity. The event was attended by Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Khvtisiashvili, along with members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Tbilisi. They signed the book of condolences opened at the embassy, expressing their sympathy and solidarity with Iran. We are deeply grateful to our friends and partners for their support and compassion during this difficult time,” read the statement from the Iranian Ministry.

The Israeli Embassy in Georgia responded with strong criticism of Khvtisiashvili’s attendance, describing it as inappropriate and morally wrong.

By Sabina Mammadli