On Tuesday, Albania's parliament officially declared Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization and designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. This resolution reflects Albania's ongoing concerns regarding Iran's state-sponsored terrorism and its use of such tactics in foreign policy. The decision follows a pattern of escalated tensions between the two countries and highlights the Albanian government’s stance on the regional security landscape.

In the parliamentary resolution, Albania condemned various cyberattacks directed at its institutions, particularly referencing a notable cyber incident from 2022 that led Tirana to sever diplomatic ties with Iran. The resolution underscores the threat posed by Iranian cyber operations, especially after claims from an Iranian hacking group regarding attacks on email accounts of Albanian parliament members earlier this month, further exacerbating Albanian-Iranian relations.

For several years, Albania has been home to thousands of members of the Iranian opposition group, the People's Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI or MEK), which Iran labels as a terrorist organization. This situation has made Albania a significant target for Iranian cyber operations, as the internal dynamics within Albania related to this opposition group create complexities in its diplomatic engagement with Iran. The resolution's implications may lead to heightened security measures and a firm stance from Albania regarding Iranian influence in the region.