Iran FM Dismisses Albanian PM's Anti-Iran Allegations

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Tuesday dismissed recent anti-Iran allegations made by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. In a post on his X account, Baghaei responded to Rama's accusations, rejecting the claims and criticizing the Albanian leader for deflecting internal criticism onto external actors amid growing street demonstrations in the Albanian capital.

"Calm down, Mr. prime minister Edi Rama. It was YOU, sir, who started this. So...you should 'face the music'!" Baghaei wrote. He added, "It would be wiser to show some respect for the intelligence and judgment of your own people, as a nation of rich culture and proud history. They are perceptive enough to distinguish truth from falsehood. If you choose to sell your national sovereignty, that is your decision. You do not owe us an explanation. But when confronted by the outrage and criticism of your own public, please do not use others as a convenient scapegoat to evade accountability."

Baghaei further advised Rama to listen to his own people, who are chanting slogans such as "Jo korrupsionit!" (No to corruption!), "Duam drejtësi!" (We want justice!), and "Rama ik!" (Leave Rama!) in the streets. The Iranian spokesman's comments came after the Albanian prime minister, through a post on X, accused Iran of showing hostility towards freedom.

The exchange occurs as Albania has witnessed an ongoing wave of protests for consecutive days, with thousands of citizens gathering in central Tirana, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Rama. Demonstrators, rallying under the slogan "Albania is not for sale," have voiced opposition to government policies and a controversial investment project in the Zvërnec area, which has become a focal point of public discontent. Protesters have marched toward the Prime Minister's Office chanting calls for "dignity and civic rights," with slogans such as "Our voice, our dignity, our future" circulating widely among organizers.

According to Mehr News, the Iranian spokesman's remarks highlight Tehran's stance against what it perceives as baseless accusations from foreign leaders seeking to divert attention from domestic issues.