Spain Condemns Israeli Attacks on Lebanon, Reopens Tehran Embassy

Spain has strongly condemned Israeli military strikes on Lebanon and a broader conflict involving Iran, marking a significant escalation in Madrid’s criticism of both Israeli and United States military campaigns. On April 9, 2026, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares accused Israel of violating international law and disregarding a recently brokered two-week ceasefire in the Middle East.

The condemnation follows a massive wave of airstrikes across Lebanon on April 8, which resulted in the deaths of more than 250 people. In response to the regional instability, Spanish Foreign Minister Albares announced on April 9 that Spain would reopen its embassy in Tehran, Iran, in an effort to facilitate peace in the region and has instructed the ambassador in Tehran to return.

Diplomatic Strains with the United States

Spain’s anti-war position has deepened diplomatic tensions with Washington. The Spanish government has emerged as an outspoken critic of the military actions taken by the U.S. And Israel, defying threats from the United States to punish NATO allies that are deemed uncooperative.

Within the United States, figures associated with President Donald Trump’s MAGA movement have increasingly urged the U.S. Leader to impose penalties on Madrid for its stance. Despite these pressures, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has positioned himself as a leading opponent of the war, describing the confrontation as reckless and illegal.

We’re facing the greatest assault on the civilisation built upon the humanist ideals of reason, peace, understanding and universal law over the abuse of power, brute force and arbitrariness.

Jose Manuel Albares, Spanish Foreign Minister

Mr. Albares further stated that the prophets of war and violence seek to return to the values and practices of history’s darkest moments while addressing lawmakers regarding the conflict.

Policy Measures and EU Relations

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has implemented several direct measures to distance Spain from the military campaigns. He has closed Spanish airspace to any aircraft involved in the conflict, which he characterizes as a violation of international law.

On April 8, Mr. Sanchez reiterated his call for the European Union to terminate its association agreement with Israel. He argued that such a move is necessary to end impunity for (Israel’s) criminal actions.

The reopening of the embassy in Tehran is intended to serve as a diplomatic channel to achieve regional peace, contrasting with the military approach adopted by the U.S. And Israel. This move, combined with the closure of airspace and the call to scuttle EU-Israel agreements, signals a shift in Spain’s foreign policy toward a more confrontational stance against the current military strategies in the Middle East.