The U.S. Embassy in Tirana on Wednesday warned that groups linked to Iran may target entities associated with the United States or Iranian opposition members in Albania, urging American citizens to exercise increased vigilance.
The Embassy said potential targets could also include public locations such as tourist sites, shopping malls, hotels, clubs, and restaurants, advising citizens to stay alert and follow security precautions.
However, Albanian authorities dismissed the warning as “speculation,” stating that law enforcement agencies have no concerning information related to such threats.
The alert comes weeks after Iran-linked hackers carried out cyberattacks against Albanian state institutions, and after Albania’s Parliament declared Iran a state sponsor of terrorism.
Relations between Albania and Iran remain tense, largely due to Albania hosting members of the Iranian opposition group MEK. Security experts have warned that rising tensions between Iran and the United States could increase the risk of potential attacks beyond traditional conflict zones.