Iran is exploiting Albania resort protests, PM says

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama says Iran is trying to exploit protests against a disputed coastal resort project.

He spoke after Iran’s foreign ministry commented on demonstrations near Zvërnec, close to the protected Vjosa-Narta lagoon.

Rama said Tehran had “officially joined” the protest and accused others of trying to turn an environmental dispute into a campaign to bring down the government.

He warned that the row could scare off foreign investors and damage Albania’s tourism ambitions.

Rama also accused Iran of censorship, repression and cyberattacks.

Albania cut diplomatic ties with Iran in 2022 after blaming Tehran for a major cyberattack on state systems.