TIRANA, March 17 – The Assembly of Albania approved a resolution declaring Iran a state sponsor of terrorism with 79 votes in favor and one abstention. Officials linked the move to national security and Albania’s role in the Euro-Atlantic security architecture.

Speaking in parliament, Igli Hasani, chair of the parliamentary committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the resolution targets Iran’s use of terrorist and hybrid instruments in foreign policy. He said international reports document support from Iranian state structures for non-state armed groups and proxy networks. He added that these activities aim to exert influence and pressure in several regions, including the Western Balkans and Albania.

Turning to recent developments, Hasani said these trends have drawn international attention and created insecurity in different regions. He stressed that Albania does not treat this issue as a distant geopolitical debate. He recalled the 2022 cyberattack against Albania’s state infrastructure and described it as a serious act against a NATO member.

Referring to the findings, Hasani said investigations and partner assessments linked the attack to the Islamic Republic of Iran. He noted that modern threats also emerge through cyber and hybrid operations that target institutions and disrupt their functioning. He said the resolution expresses Albania’s stance against these practices and confirms its commitment to counterterrorism and a rules-based international order.

In conclusion, Hasani said Albania considers national security and institutional integrity non-negotiable. He added that attacks against sovereign institutions require a response. He said the resolution confirms that Albania will stand with allies and partners to defend security, stability, and the international order.

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