Madrid: Spain will reopen its embassy in Tehran to support efforts toward a peaceful resolution following a recently agreed ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Thursday. Albares stated he had instructed Spain’s ambassador to Iran, Antonio Sanchez-Benedito, to return to Tehran and resume diplomatic operations after the embassy was temporarily closed on March 7.
According to Anadolu Agency, speaking upon arrival at the Spanish Congress, Albares mentioned that the decision reflects the ‘new situation’ created by the two-week ceasefire agreement. He noted that he spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to inform him of the move, adding that it underscores Madrid’s commitment to contributing to ‘the efforts for peace.’
Albares also engaged in discussions with several regional counterparts, including the foreign ministers of Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, as well as Lebanon. In a call with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, he expressed Spain’s support in response to what he described as ‘brutal and indiscriminate’ Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which he called ‘a disgrace to the conscience of all humanity.’
When asked about a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that the United States may consider closing military bases in countries that have not supported its actions, including Spain and Germany, Albares said he had no information on the matter. He assured that bilateral contacts with Washington regarding the use of the Rota and Moron air bases are ongoing and that both facilities are operating ‘completely normally.’
Iran and the United States announced a two-week truce on Tuesday aimed at paving the way for a final agreement to end the conflict launched by Washington and Israel against Tehran on February 28, which has resulted in significant casualties. The announcement came shortly before the expiration of a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, who had repeatedly extended it for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face ‘the destruction of an entire civilization.’