Could Iran strike Albania with missiles? Expert explains the map and scenarios

Ermal Jauri, head of the Marshall Center in Albania, analyzed on “Review” with Greta Topjana the theoretical and practical possibility of an Iranian ballistic missile hitting Albanian territory.

In theory, such a scenario is possible due to the range of Iranian ballistic missiles, which can reach 2,000–2,500 kilometers. The distance between Iran and Tirana is roughly 2,000 kilometers.

However, Jauri emphasized that in practice, an attack is almost impossible because of the air defense systems of NATO and allied countries in the region. A missile launched from Iran would have to fly over Turkey and Greece—both NATO members equipped with advanced missile defense systems like Patriot and NASAMS, capable of intercepting any incoming ballistic missile.

“From a theoretical perspective, yes, Iran could reach Albania because a ballistic missile can travel 2,000–2,500 kilometers, and the distance from Iran to Tirana is about 2,000 kilometers. But in practice, it’s nearly impossible. The missile’s trajectory would last around 20 minutes or more and must cross two NATO territories, Turkey and Greece, both equipped with advanced U.S.-made missile defense systems designed to intercept ballistic missiles,” Jauri explained.

He added that the moment a missile enters the airspace of these countries, it would be detected and neutralized. Furthermore, Albania’s airspace is protected under NATO.

“Even though Albania does not have its own air force, NATO ensures its air defense. Response time is very fast, about 2–6 minutes, allowing NATO aircraft from regional bases to intercept and neutralize any missile that might have passed through Turkish or Greek defenses. In practice, it is completely impossible for Iran to strike Albania. Based on Iran’s attacks on Israel, a single missile cannot penetrate a well-established air defense system. To have any chance, Iran would need to launch dozens of missiles simultaneously, and even then, NATO forces and missile defense systems could neutralize the threat long before reaching the target,” Jauri concluded.

/Zëri i Drenices/

A e godet dot Irani Shqipërinë? Eksperti Jauri: Në teori po, në praktikë jo! Duhet të kalojë dy vende të NATO pic.twitter.com/0AKxAe5DiJ
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