Invested as a puppet ruler by the Ottomans in 1545, Kaikhosro II's tenure was marred by incessant Iranian–Ottoman rivalry, as well as uneasy relations with neighboring Georgian polities, and internecine feuds.
In 1570, as a result of continued Ottoman aggression, Kaikhosro was forced to seek direct assistance from his suzerain king Tahmasp I (r. 1524–1576) at the Iranian royal court, where he died three years later as well.
[2] Subsequently, Samtskhe ceased to exist for a period of ten years — all of its lands were divided between Rostom Gurieli, Bagrat III of Imereti, and Luarsab I of Kartli.
[3] Kaikhosro II ended up watching the western part of his principality being assimilated by the Ottomans and formed into a paşalık,[1] while the eastern moiety—where he preferred to stay—being subjected to Iran.
However, since he was still young and inexperienced, the actual government of the country was taken over by his widow Dedisimedi and the nobleman Varaza Shalikashvili, whose sister was a favorite wife in king Tahmasp I's harem.