Spain's premier urges immediate end to 'spiral of violence' in Middle East

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday called for an immediate end to the escalating "spiral of violence" across the Middle East, condemning "all illegal and indiscriminate" attacks.

"This spiral of violence must be stopped immediately, and a return to diplomacy and dialogue is necessary," Sanchez wrote on US social media platform X.

He condemned "all illegal and indiscriminate attacks" against Gulf Cooperation Council members and other countries in the region following recent military actions.

"We strongly condemn all illegal and indiscriminate attacks against the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and other countries in the region," he said, while also decrying Hezbollah's missile launch and Israel's attack on Lebanon.

Underscoring the broad impacts of cross-border hostilities, he said: "Violence only begets more violence. Bombs hit military targets, but also streets, airports, schools, and the homes of innocent civilians."

Previously, Spain rejected the "unilateral military action" launched by the US and Israel against Iran on Saturday, warning that the world cannot afford another "prolonged and devastating war" in the Middle East.

"We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order. We likewise reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard," he wrote on X.

The US and Israel attacked Tehran early Saturday, in the middle of negotiations about Iran's nuclear program that had been continuing under Oman's mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended Thursday.