The Diplomat
The Spanish government on Wednesday condemned Iran’s “unjustified attacks” against Gulf countries and Jordan, which have affected critical infrastructure and merchant ships flying the flags of GCC countries in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its “solidarity” with Spain’s partner countries “in the face of this new violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as with the families and loved ones of the victims of the attacks.”
“Spain also expresses its deep concern about the spread of instability, including threats to the transit of Saudi vessels through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which it categorically rejects,” the statement continued. “Respect for freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law, is non-negotiable and must be guaranteed,” it warned.
On Wednesday, the Spanish government expressed its “deep concern about the growing instability in Yemen” and conveyed its support to the Presidential Leadership Council, “the internationally recognized government,” in its efforts to ensure the country’s stability against attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, in violation of Security Council Resolution 2216.
“Spain calls for an urgent de-escalation, respect for the ceasefire, and the return of the parties to the negotiating table as the only way to move towards lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. Force and violence are never the paths to achieving lasting peace and stability,” the Foreign Ministry warned. “Spain reiterates its firm commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law,” it concluded.
Iran has attacked US military installations at King Faisal and Prince Hassan air bases in Jordan in recent hours as part of Operation Nasr 2. According to a statement released Wednesday by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, eight MQ-9 drones were destroyed, two others were severely damaged, two US heavy helicopters were shot down, and an “unspecified number of US forces” were killed or wounded in the attacks.
However, Jordanian military authorities reported that their air defenses intercepted four of the six Iranian missiles launched toward their territory, while the other two landed in uninhabited areas without causing casualties or material damage. The United States carried out its eleventh consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran early Wednesday morning. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the attacks targeted military operations centers, drone and aircraft facilities, maritime capabilities, and military logistics.