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War in Iran, how safe are we?

2026-03-05 18:43:12Pikëpamje SHKRUAR NGA RILDO NGJELA
Rildo Ngjela

No war has ever remained within its geographical borders. What begins thousands of kilometers away affects the economies, politics, and national security of states, including those that are not part of it. For Albania, the war in the Middle East may seem distant due to geographical illusion, but its strategic implications are not. As a member of NATO and a close ally of countries directly involved in the war taking place in the Middle East, Albania is inevitably part of a broader security landscape, as a result of these developments. Of course, this does not mean that the country faces a direct military threat. But it does raise an important question: Do Albanians today have confidence that the state is sufficiently prepared to cope with a rapidly evolving security environment?

To answer this question, it is enough to remember that in 2022 Albania experienced severe cyber attacks, attributed to certain actors linked to Iran, which resulted in serious consequences for the country's digital systems infrastructure and the temporary suspension of public services. This simple fact shows that Albania is not isolated from global conflicts. Although with indirect participation, it was directly targeted.

Meanwhile, the war in the Middle East involves actors with strategic capabilities that transcend the region. In recent days, various military analysts have stated that long-range ballistic missile systems developed by Iran could theoretically reach much of Europe, including the Balkans. Even if Albania does not appear to be a direct target of these attacks, such realities show how interconnected security has become in the modern era. In this context, the Albanian government has a golden opportunity: to reinforce its public trust by using visible and preventive measures aimed at protecting essential infrastructure and demonstrating institutional readiness.

National strategic assets should receive special attention. Ports, airports, dams and hydroelectric power plants constitute the backbone of Albania’s infrastructure and stability. Strengthening and enhancing security in this regard would not be an alarm signal. On the contrary, it would show the face of responsible governance in a time of geopolitical uncertainty. A similar preventive approach is applied in other alliance countries. More specifically, the diplomatic missions of key partners (the US, Israel, the EU Delegation and the UK), as well as community institutions such as synagogues, are more than diplomatic or religious facilities. They resonate with Albania’s strategic reach and long-term partnership. Therefore, they deserve increased protection during periods of international tension.

Cybersecurity should also be a national priority. This is because Albania has once experienced the destructive power of cyber warfare. Strengthening digital protection systems for all institutions, including financial ones (mainly the Bank of Albania), cannot be just a requirement to increase technical capacities, but an essential component that demonstrates institutional sustainability. Economic and financial stability is equally important for the country in a time of geopolitical uncertainty. Institutions such as the Bank of Albania represent the main pillars of public trust and must be protected, both from cyber threats and from other threats of interference in hybrid forms, which can undermine confidence in the financial system.

Since Albania is a NATO member, the issue goes further. Many NATO allies in Europe are increasing their air and missile defense capabilities, as part of the alliance’s collective security architecture. Therefore, it is very important to initiate a public and transparent discussion on Albania’s defense capabilities. It should also be made clear to the public whether the country is integrated into any regional missile defense framework and what our capabilities can be taken into account. Such an issue should not be driven by fear. On the contrary, it should be guided by preparedness and transparency. Citizens feel safer when institutions communicate clearly about the measures they are taking to protect them.

Indeed, the question is not whether Albania will face an immediate threat. The question is what steps the Albanian government should take today to be stable, to increase trust in its citizens, and to ensure Albanians feel secure in an increasingly complex world.

This is not an alarm signal. If the Albanian government decides to demonstrate institutional preparedness regarding geopolitical tensions, it will send a sign of prudence to its citizens. Because security in the 21st century requires awareness, preparation, and trust between institutions and citizens.

Today this may seem like a small bell, which if ignored, could turn into an alarm bell that will ring louder and louder until it breaks and engulfs us.


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