On March 17, 2026, the Albanian Parliament passed a resolution designating Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The ruling Socialist Party, utilizing its parliamentary majority, voted overwhelmingly in favor of the move, which also labels Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Taulant Balla, the leader of the parliamentary group, stated that the resolution aims to condemn Iran’s support for terrorism and its use of proxy groups to destabilize regions. The document specifically addressed cyberattacks attributed to Iranian-linked hackers that targeted Albanian institutions, further solidifying the decision to sever diplomatic ties with Iran following a severe cyber incident in 2022.

Balla emphasized that for Albania, the issue is not just a distant geopolitical concern but a matter of national security, reflecting years of tensions relating to Iran's actions in Europe and beyond.

The IRGC has already been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and more recently by the European Union, following Iran's brutal crackdown on protests and its military activities in the region, including its involvement in conflicts that threaten regional stability.

Albania's decision comes amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East, notably following joint military actions by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets. These developments have prompted widespread international reactions, with calls for accountability and strategic reassessments regarding Iran’s role in global conflicts.

As tensions soar, Albania's designation of the IRGC signals its alignment with Western positions against Iranian aggression, underscoring the growing concern over national security and the ramifications of foreign influence in the Balkans.