The Government of Israel has publicly welcomed a significant decision by the Parliament of Albania to designate the Islamic Republic of Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism — a move that has drawn attention across diplomatic and security circles in Europe and beyond.
The resolution was adopted on Tuesday in the Albanian legislature with 79 votes in favor and one abstention. Proposed by the ruling Socialist Party, it not only labels Iran as a supporter of terrorism but also calls on the Albanian government to treat the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Lebanese group Hezbollah as terrorist organizations.
Israeli Foreign Minister’s Reaction
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar publicly endorsed the Albanian parliamentary decision, describing the resolution as an “important step in Albania’s foreign policy.” In a message on social media platform X, Sa’ar thanked Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Albanian legislature, calling the resolution “historic” and emphasizing Albania’s clear moral stance against terrorism of all forms.
He praised the Albanian parliament’s courage to speak out against state-linked terrorism amid a broader climate of regional instability. This reaction underscores Israel’s interest in building and maintaining strong diplomatic ties with like-minded partners on security issues in Europe.
I praise Albanian PM @ediramaal and the Parliament of Albania for the historic resolution adopted today declaring the Islamic Republic of Iran a state sponsor of terrorism. In the resolution's words: Terrorism in all its forms constitutes one of the most serious threats to…
— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) March 17, 2026
Content and Context of the Resolution
The parliamentary resolution condemns Iran’s alleged destabilizing activities, including its support for proxy groups and involvement in cyberattacks targeting Albanian institutions. Albania has experienced a series of hostile cyber incidents in recent years — including a major attack in 2022 that disrupted government systems — which Tirana has publicly attributed to Iran-linked actors.
In addition to describing Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism, the resolution urges the government to step up cooperation with international partners in countering state-sponsored terrorism and cyber threats. It also encourages Albania’s allies and international organizations to take coordinated action against such threats.
Notably, lawmakers from the main opposition parties largely boycotted the vote, arguing there was insufficient cross-party discussion before the resolution was brought forward.
Why This Matters Internationally
Albania’s decision comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension following wider conflicts in the Middle East and increasing scrutiny of Iran’s regional activities. While several Western countries have previously taken steps against Iranian institutions like the IRGC — including the United States, Australia, and the European Union — Albania’s move is significant because it formalizes such a designation within a NATO member state’s legislative framework.
Analysts suggest the resolution reflects Albania’s close alignment with Western security policy and its broader concerns about regional stability, cybersecurity, and the protection of democratic societies from foreign influence or violent extremism. It also highlights Albania’s ongoing diplomatic rift with Tehran, which deepened after repeated allegations of Iranian cyber operations and other hostile acts.
Diplomatic Implications
Israel’s positive response signals that Tirana’s stance resonates with key partners who are advocating for stronger action against perceived state sponsors of terrorism. Israel has increasingly framed counter-terrorism designation as part of a broader security discourse that includes countering hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and proxy group influence.
The move also fits into a pattern of increasing international pressure on Tehran over its foreign policy behavior — particularly its support for armed groups abroad and its role in regional conflicts that Western governments often characterize as threats to international peace and democratic governance.