Cupi: Iran cannot threaten the whole world, but there are reasons for concern in Albania

Analyst from Tirana, Frrok Cupi, assesses that Iran is not a power capable of threatening global security, but tells Kosovo Online that in the Western Balkans, especially in Albania, there are reasons for concern.

“Iran is not a state or a power that can threaten the whole world. That is impossible. Of course, a lot of damage has been caused worldwide, especially in the areas of the economy and energy, and particularly in terms of fear. People are very frightened because they are generally not careful or qualified followers of news and information. Of course, we must think about ourselves, about the Balkans, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro. Psychologically, this concern is strongly felt. That is because there are arguments for fear,” Cupi said.

He states that a particular reason for concern for Albania is the MEK foundation of the Iranian opposition.

“For Albania, there is an argument that the MEK foundation of the Iranian opposition is a danger for us. They have taken refuge somewhere in a village in our country, and people say that this is a risk. The same applies to the American military base in Kosovo. People imagine things and they have the right to do so, just as they have the right to prejudices. After all, in every prejudice there is some danger. How possible is this risk, or how large can it be? Albania has paid a high price for an Iranian cyberattack. It was not a small matter, the damage there was significant. Also, one of the heads of the Albanian intelligence service stated in recent days that in our country there are individuals paid by Iran to spread disinformation or carry out sabotage,” Cupi said.

Speaking about Albania’s international engagement, he emphasizes that countries in the region seek security through alliances with the United States.

“We are involved in the Board of Peace in Gaza, an initiative of the American president. This is a very debatable moment, but also easy to understand. So why is Albania part of this committee, creating risks for itself through its engagement? We are a small country, located on a problematic peninsula, as is known worldwide. Realistically, neither we nor Serbia, but especially we, have had unwavering support from Europe in recent years. That is our experience. Even today we are asking for the EU integration process to be accelerated. As long as we have not had this support from Europe and we doubt that we can have it, we certainly must be on the side of the United States,” he pointed out.

He adds that Albania seeks security and, as he says, looks for it where it believes it can find it.

“The best thing today is that we do not rely on dead ideals. These dead ideals have caused us problems in our history. It is a political, psychological, and economic issue. If the Albanian government had not been involved in the peace committee, what could the Albanian people ask from the United States? The Albanian people seek inclusion in American plans,” he said.

He notes that Albania, thanks to alliances with the United States and the European Union, is now better protected from cyberattacks and other threats.

“We experienced cyberattacks and now we have much stronger defense than before. Even in this case, we had the support of the United States and, of course, the European Union, because these are inseparable aspects. If Iran directly attacks us, meaning if Albania is directly attacked, that means that NATO has also been attacked, and by attacking a NATO country, that country will undoubtedly have the protection of the alliance. That is the privilege or benefit of membership in such an alliance,” Cupi concluded.