Spain to reopen embassy in Iran following US ceasefire
Istanbul (ANTARA) - Spain will reopen its embassy in Tehran to support efforts towards a peaceful resolution following the recent ceasefire agreement between the United States (US) and Iran.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said on Thursday (9/4) that he had instructed Spain’s ambassador to Iran, Antonio Sanchez-Benedito, to return to Tehran and resume diplomatic activities after the embassy was temporarily closed on 7 March, according to reports from El Pais.
Speaking upon arrival at the Spanish Congress, Albares described the decision as reflecting the “new situation” created by the two-week ceasefire agreement.
He said he had spoken to his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on Wednesday (8/4) to inform him of the step. Albares added that this reaffirms Madrid’s commitment to contributing to “peace efforts.”
The Spanish minister also held talks with several regional counterparts, including the foreign ministers of Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon.
In his conversation with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, he expressed Spain’s support in the face of what he described as Israel’s brutal and indiscriminate attacks on Lebanon. He even called those attacks a stain on the conscience of all humanity.
When asked about reports in The Wall Street Journal that the US might consider closing military bases in countries that do not support its actions, including Spain and Germany, Albares said he had no information on the matter.
Albares emphasised that bilateral communications with Washington regarding the use of the Rota and Moron air bases in southern Spain’s Andalusia are ongoing, and both facilities are operating fully normally.
Iran and the US announced the two-week ceasefire on Tuesday (7/4), aimed at paving the way for a final agreement to end the war launched by Washington and Israel against Tehran since 28 February, which has killed and injured many people.
The announcement came less than two hours before the expiry of the deadline repeatedly extended by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept the agreement or face the “destruction of the entire civilisation.”