<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Spanish government expressed its "utmost concern" this Sunday about the situation in the Middle East following tonight's bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities.</strong></h4> "The situation must be resolved through diplomatic means; an end to the violence and a return to negotiations are urgent," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared in a statement. "Spain reiterates its call for restraint and respect for international law," it added. "The Spanish embassies in Iran and in the countries of the region remain fully operational to assist Spaniards in any eventuality," the Ministry added. For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the European Union, and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, expressed the Spanish government's deep concern regarding the recent attack launched by the United States against several nuclear facilities in Iran. The operations, directed against the enclaves of Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow, have led to a significant increase in tensions in the Middle East, with potentially unforeseeable consequences. In an appearance on RTVE's 24-hour channel, Albares made an unequivocal call for "immediate de-escalation" and defended the essential role of diplomacy. "It is not a military solution that will bring peace and stability to the Middle East, but diplomacy," the minister stated, emphasizing that any lasting solution to Iran's nuclear program requires negotiation and respect for international law. Although he reiterated that Spain rejects Iran—or any other nation—having access to nuclear weapons, the Foreign Minister insisted that unilateral actions do not contribute to solving the problem, but rather exacerbate it. In this regard, he advocated for a multilateral approach within the European Union. He announced that he will raise the need for a joint European response at the next Foreign Affairs Council, based on moderation, dialogue, and respect for the founding principles of the international order. Albares also used his speech to link the current crisis to the widespread deterioration of the strategic balance in other regions. Drawing an analogy with the war in Ukraine, he noted that both conflicts illustrate the dangers of a fractured international order and warned of the risks of a spiral of militarization. Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he reaffirmed the Executive's commitment to a two-state solution that guarantees security and coexistence, and proposed moving toward a "virtuous security framework for the Middle East," inspired by the historical experience of reconciliation and cooperation that the creation of the European Union brought after World War II. Regarding the situation of Spanish citizens in Iran, the minister confirmed that no injuries had occurred among them and assured that diplomatic representations remain fully operational. He recalled that the Ministry had recently activated an exit convoy for those wishing to leave the country and reiterated the availability of consular assistance. He also asked all nationals in the region to remain in constant contact with the embassy. Asked about Spain's role within NATO, Albares insisted that Spain is a "reliable and committed partner" and called for a more comprehensive assessment of Spain's contribution, based on real capabilities and commitments, beyond the percentages of GDP allocated to defense. <h5><strong>Feijóo (PP): Regional stability and diplomacy, an "unwavering priority"</strong></h5> From the opposition, the leader of the Popular Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, also spoke out regarding the crisis. Through his official X account, he warned of the volatility of the situation and called for avoiding "a generalized escalation" in the region at all costs. "The stability of the Middle East is an unavoidable priority," he wrote, in a message that underscores the region's strategic importance for European interests and international security. Feijóo defended diplomatic action as the only viable path to resolving the Iranian nuclear conflict, in a position that, although nuanced, essentially coincides with that of the Executive. His message points to a desire for consensus in foreign policy, at least regarding major strategic issues, and reflects the People's Party's traditional stance of alignment with Euro-Atlantic institutions, without renouncing prudence in times of international tension.
