The Albanian Foreign Ministry issued an official warning on Sunday to all Albanian citizens in the Persian Gulf countries.

In a statement posted on the ministry’s official Facebook page, it said: “In view of the deteriorating security situation, we call on all Albanian citizens to exercise increased caution, follow the instructions of the local authorities, and keep in regular contact with our diplomatic missions.” (Source: Koha.net, June 23, 2024).

This warning comes against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. As reported by Albanian broadcaster RTSH on the same day, Israel is said to have attacked six Iranian airports, destroying 15 aircraft and damaging several infrastructure facilities, according to the report (source: RTSH, June 23, 2024). These attacks are part of an escalating conflict that has already caused diplomatic and military unrest throughout the Gulf region in recent months.

The Foreign Ministry in Tirana emphasized that it was monitoring developments in close coordination with international partners. It said it was in contact with Albanian embassies and consulates in the affected countries and had prepared additional measures to prevent a crisis. In addition, Albanian citizens abroad were called upon to voluntarily register their whereabouts so that they could be better contacted and assisted in an emergency.

Background: Risk in the shadow of a regional conflict

The region around the Persian Gulf has long been a flashpoint for international interests, particularly between Western allies, Iran, and regional powers such as Saudi Arabia. According to international media, the latest airstrikes represent a dangerous escalation. Observers also say that diplomatic relations between Israel and several Gulf states are under increased strain.

For Albania, which has a significant diaspora in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, the security situation in the Middle East is therefore of direct importance. As reported by Koha.net, there have already been isolated contacts with citizens who wanted to leave the country out of caution in recent weeks (source: Koha.net).