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Albania Backs U.S. Strikes on Iran
Tirana Times, February 28, 2026 – Albania announced its support for U.S. strikes on Iran on Friday, with Prime Minister Edi Rama stating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) should be officially designated a terrorist organization.
Albania intends to list the IRGC as such, citing its own experience with cyberattacks attributed to Iran or groups linked to Tehran, and expressed concerns regarding national security. “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a terrorist organization and it must be treated as such,” Rama stated. “Not only through sanctions against the Khomeinist Republic, but by officially calling it by its true name and listing it among terrorist organizations, as the United States and Canada have already done.”
Rama linked Albania’s stance to several alignments, arguing for action over words.
He cited support for Israel and peace-seeking Arab nations, as well as the United States’ military support for Israel under President Donald Trump, and the European Union’s condemnation of the Tehran regime. He emphasized the need to address the “barbaric face” of the regime, referencing past cyberattacks against Albania. Rama announced specific steps Albania intends to take, urging European governments to follow suit.
“Albania will act accordingly. We will call the Revolutionary Guard what it is and list it among terrorist organizations, and we call upon our European friends to do the same.”
Former Albanian deputy prime minister Genc Pollo, a senior associate researcher at the Albanian Institute for International Studies, characterized the operation as targeting a regime threatening well beyond the region. “The United States and Israel this morning began an aerial combat operation against the hostile Ayatollah regime in Iran,” Pollo said.
“This regime threatens not only Israel, America and the Middle East, but also Europe; it threatens Albania as well.”
Saudi Arabia Issues Condemnation and Warning
Saudi Arabia issued two statements condemning Iranian attacks and warning of consequences. The Kingdom condemned the attacks on the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, affirming solidarity with those nations and offering support. It also condemned attacks on the Riyadh Region and Eastern Province, which were intercepted, warning that such actions cannot be justified.
Kosovo and North Macedonia Align
In the Western Balkans, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani issued a statement of support, framing the strikes as a turning point for Iran’s population and reaffirming Kosovo’s alignment with the United States and its allies.
Topics: #iran #albania #strikes
