A senior American foreign policy expert has warned that Iran could pose a potential security risk to Albania, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions and the presence of Iranian opposition groups hosted by the Albanian government.
The warning comes amid renewed concerns about cybersecurity and regional stability, especially after previous cyberattacks and diplomatic tensions between Tirana and Tehran.
US Expert Raises Concerns About Iranian Threat
During an interview discussing geopolitical developments, Ilan Berman, vice president of the American Foreign Policy Council in Washington, said that the risk posed by Iran to Albania should be taken seriously. According to him, the situation must be viewed from Tehran’s perspective as well.
He explained that Iran may feel threatened by Albania’s involvement with the Iranian opposition, particularly groups that have taken refuge in the country. As a result, Tehran may attempt to exert pressure or expand conflicts indirectly through hybrid methods.
Berman emphasized that Iran possesses broad hybrid capabilities, including cyber tools that have already been used in Europe and other regions. These capabilities could be deployed in efforts to destabilize countries that Tehran views as hostile or supportive of its opponents.
Why Albania Is Involved in the Geopolitical Tension
One of the main reasons Albania has been drawn into this geopolitical dispute is the presence of members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (MEK), an Iranian opposition group that relocated to Albania over the past decade. Their main base, known as Ashraf-3, is located near Tirana.
The Iranian government considers the MEK a hostile organization, which has contributed to rising tensions between Tehran and the Albanian government.
Experts note that hosting Iranian dissidents has placed Albania in a sensitive geopolitical position, especially given the country's strong alignment with Western allies such as the United States and NATO.
Cyberattacks and Diplomatic Fallout
Relations between Albania and Iran deteriorated significantly in 2022, when a major cyberattack targeted Albanian government systems and digital infrastructure. The Albanian government blamed Iranian state-backed actors for the attack, which temporarily disrupted public services and government websites.
Following the incident, Albania took the unprecedented step of severing diplomatic relations with Iran and expelling Iranian embassy staff from the country.
The cyberattack was widely condemned by NATO allies, who expressed solidarity with Albania and criticized attempts to destabilize the infrastructure of a NATO member state.
Hybrid Threats and Future Risks
Security experts increasingly warn that modern conflicts are no longer limited to military confrontation. Instead, they involve hybrid tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and intelligence operations.
Analysts say Iran has demonstrated such capabilities in several countries, targeting infrastructure, dissidents, and political opponents abroad.
For Albania, the key concern remains the potential for future cyber incidents or indirect pressure due to its role in hosting Iranian opposition groups and its alignment with Western security alliances.
Despite these risks, Albania has strengthened its cybersecurity infrastructure and cooperation with international partners to defend against potential attacks.
A Strategic Challenge for Albania
The warning from American experts highlights the broader geopolitical realities facing smaller NATO countries. Albania’s position as a host for Iranian dissidents and a close ally of the United States places it within a complex international security landscape.
While experts stress that the risks are not unexpected, they underline the importance of vigilance, cyber defense, and cooperation with international allies to ensure national security.
As global tensions continue to evolve, Albania’s role in regional security and its relationship with Western partners will remain critical in addressing potential threats.