In January 2020, following the death of Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani made speeches smearing "a small and sinister country" for trying to overthrow the Islamic regime in Iran, which was believed to be directed at Albania due to MEK's refuge status. Albanian President Ilir Meta dismissed the Iranian claim, and condemned the Iranian government. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama openly endorsed an attack against Iran by the U.S. in response to Iranian criticism against Albania.