Amman: Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Sunday reiterated his call for dialogue and negotiation as key to a ‘stable and prosperous’ Middle East during a call with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi.

According to Anadolu Agency, Albares emphasized the need for restraint and de-escalation in the region, stating, “The Iranian attacks must cease. Spain calls on the parties to exercise restraint and de-escalation. Dialogue and negotiation are the solution for a stable and prosperous region,” on the US social media platform X.

Albares highlighted the severe human and economic repercussions of the ongoing conflict, particularly in Gaza, the West Bank, and the escalating violence in Lebanon. The discussion between him and Safadi underscored these pressing issues.

The conflict escalated when the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on February 28, resulting in over 1,340 casualties, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran executed drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. These retaliatory actions have led to casualties, infrastructure damage, and significant disruptions in global markets and aviation.