Spain calls for urgent return to diplomacy after US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Spain on Sunday voiced serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, urging all parties to de-escalate and return to the negotiating table.

"We are very concerned about the current situation in the Middle East and, of course, as we have been doing for many days now, we call on everyone, all parties, to de-escalate," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said, speaking to the broadcaster RTVE.

"It is not a military solution that will bring peace and stability to the Middle East, but rather diplomacy, and therefore we hope that everyone will return to the negotiating table," he said, underlining that "absolute respect for international law is much more important at this time."

In a separate statement, the Spanish Foreign Ministry said the government expressed "its utmost concern" about the situation.

"The situation must be redirected through diplomatic means, the cessation of violence and a return to negotiations is urgent," the ministry said, reiterating its call "for containment and respect for international law."

Spain also confirmed that its embassies in Iran and in neighboring countries remain fully operational to assist Spaniards in any eventuality.

The situation in the region further deteriorated after US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces carried out "very successful" airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, amid growing fears of a broader conflict in the region.

Following the US strikes, Iran called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to condemn the US aggression and to hold accountable those who violate international law.

Hostilities broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.

Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.

Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.