Spain condemns Iran's attacks on Gulf states and calls for de-escalation

Madrid, July 22 (KUNA) -- The Spanish government condemned on Wednesday the “unprovoked attacks” launched by Iran against Gulf states and Jordan, which targeted critical infrastructure and commercial vessels flying the flags of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs expressed the Spanish government’s solidarity with its partners in confronting what it deemed a new violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reaffirmed its solidarity with the families and relatives of the victims of those attacks. The statement expressed Spain’s deep concern over the widening instability in the region, including threats targeting the passage of Saudi ships through the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while firmly rejecting such threats and emphasizing that respect for freedom of navigation under international law is “non-negotiable and must be ensured.” In the same vein, the statement expressed Spain’s profound concern over the growing instability in Yemen, reaffirming Madrid’s support for the Presidential Leadership Council and the internationally recognized Yemeni government in their efforts to ensure the country’s stability in the face of attempts to interfere in its internal affairs, which constitute a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216. The Spanish government called for an immediate de-escalation, respect for the ceasefire, and the return of all parties to the negotiating table, as the only path to achieving lasting peace and stability in the Middle East. The statement affirmed that “force and violence are never a means to achieve lasting peace and stability,” reiterating Spain’s firm commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and respect for international law. (End) H.N.D. / R.J.