Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has attributed recent protests against a proposed $4 billion luxury resort project to cyberattacks by Iranian hackers. The development, backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, aims to construct a high-end resort on Albania’s only island, Sazan, and to develop a coastal area adjacent to a protected bird sanctuary known for its flamingo population.

Speaking at a conference in Rome, Rama confirmed that investors had acquired the coastal land and that an environmental impact assessment was underway, though the project had not yet received official approval. He emphasized that the island of Sazan remains public property and sought to reassure environmentalists, stating the project would enhance local ecosystems by increasing green spaces by 25 percent. “There is nothing that has to worry any environmentalist,” Rama said, highlighting plans to protect birds, waters, and trees.

Rama argued that much of the public anger surrounding the initiative has been fueled and amplified by hacking efforts linked to Tehran. Albania hosts thousands of members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, an Iranian opposition group in exile, which has long contributed to strained relations between the two countries. Rama described Iran as Albania’s "only enemy" and cited a "ruthless cyber attack" against Albania ongoing for three years, which he said had now escalated to involvement in stirring anti-resort demonstrations.

Regarding local attitudes, Rama maintained that residents of the city nearest the proposed resort largely support the development and anticipate its completion positively. He characterized most protesters as foreigners and critics motivated by opposition to the Trump family, saying the project's association with Kushner and Trump has attracted widespread scrutiny and disapproval from diverse groups internationally. “The majority of the Albanian people want the project,” Rama asserted.

The protests began several weeks ago after the developer fenced off part of the coastline opposite Sazan island, an area Ivanka Trump reportedly “discovered” during a Mediterranean sailing trip with her husband. The plan’s timing and involvement of prominent U.S. figures have heightened tensions around the project.

Albania, one of Europe’s poorest countries, has seen tourism emerge as a significant economic driver, with roughly 12 million foreign visitors last year. However, concerns about environmental degradation along the coastline have sparked local discontent. Critics argue that the government should prioritize enhancing public services and infrastructure over catering to luxury developments aimed at wealthy foreigners.