Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told lawmakers on Friday that authorities are closely monitoring the situation of Albanian citizens in the Middle East following the escalation of conflict in the region.

Speaking at a hearing in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Albanian Parliament, Hoxha presented updated figures on Albanian nationals living or traveling in the affected areas.

According to the minister, 2,962 Albanian citizens were registered as residents in the region at the start of the conflict, while 543 others were staying temporarily as travelers. Albanian diplomatic missions have individually contacted 2,511 citizens, or about 85% of the total.

Authorities said 138 citizens have expressed interest in leaving the conflict zone, while 703 individuals have received guidance or assistance on how to depart safely. So far, 24 citizens have left the region on their own, and 45 others are expected to depart through secure travel arrangements. Additionally, 17 Albanians have been evacuated with the assistance of third countries, Hoxha said.

The minister also addressed the presence of Albanian nationals in Iran, noting that roughly 20 citizens are believed to currently reside there, although the exact number remains uncertain.

“Most of them are women who are married there and hold permanent residence,” Hoxha said, adding that Albania would assist anyone requesting help to leave the country.

Because Albania severed diplomatic relations with Iran in 2022, gathering information about Albanian nationals there has been more difficult and requires alternative channels, the minister explained.

Hoxha said that since the escalation of the conflict on February 28, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania has established a special task force operating around the clock, maintaining contact with Albanian embassies in affected countries and neighboring states.Despite the deteriorating security situation, Albania has not closed any of its diplomatic missions in the region, he added, stressing that keeping them open is essential to monitor developments and assist citizens abroad.

Albania Monitoring Citizens in Middle East as Conflict Escalates, Foreign Minister Says

The minister also commented on recent cyberattacks targeting the infrastructure of the Parliament of Albania by the Iranian-linked hacker group Homeland Justice.

According to Hoxha, the attacks highlight the need for increased vigilance and further improvements in digital security.

“The Iranian regime has never stopped targeting Albania. It happened in 2022, and since then there has been a major improvement in capabilities and security. But there is no such thing as 100% security in technology,” he said.