TLDR: Very good podcast by Ruslan Trad( he also posts in English on social media) about the Iranian influence in the Balkans.

It is msptly cultural with a big cultural xenter died to the Ministry of information in Saraevo.

Corruption + ideology( anti-western) means that Iran and Hezb can oeprate in the Balkans freely + offer access to Central Europe. Danube.

Hezb in Bulgaria has its most improtant centers in Varna, Burgas, and Sofia.

Iranian drone contracts in Serbia + BH + production in Serbia.

Iranian attacks on Albania ( due to MEK) means that Israel has entered the Balkan cyber space.

Turkey monitors Iran but doesn’t consider it a threat in the Balkans. Rn they could even snap th Zgz corrudor due to Pashinyan.

A lot of BG firms helped Iran evade sanctions. Ex. Germam cara sold to Syria. Assadist base in Varna.

Iran helping even Balkan Shnni militias( not financially but ligistics etc) ties to Izerbegovich and the rise of political islam.

Only terr attack in BG conducted by Hezb.

Improtant to highlight that the Balkans served as vital arteries for WP influence even during cold war