Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called for a halt to terrorist attacks against the United States in the Middle East on Saturday, following American strikes on targets in Iraq and Syria believed linked to Iranian-backed militias in retaliation for the deaths of three American citizens the previous day. The scene was set in Jordan as soldiers stood in the background.
Speaking to reporters upon arriving at the informal gathering, Albares emphasized that the United States has faced multiple terrorist incidents in recent days, some resulting in American fatalities, and argued that retaliatory actions are not a solution. He also highlighted that European Union foreign ministers were meeting in Brussels to discuss the evolving crisis and what steps the bloc should take to curb violence in the region.
In his remarks, the Spanish minister condemned all terrorist acts and urged a collective effort to end violence in the Middle East. He underlined the importance of restraint, de-escalation, and a return to diplomatic channels as the way forward for a more stable regional security environment.
According to the Pentagon, the recent American strikes targeted operations centers, intelligence facilities, rocket and missile depots, and logistics hubs used by various pro-Iranian groups in the region. These sites had been tied to recent assaults on United States forces, and the intent behind the actions was explained as a response to ongoing threats and attacks against American personnel abroad.
When asked about Israel’s operations in Gaza, specifically in Rafah, Albares urged an end to the cycle of violence and called for a permanent and immediate ceasefire. He stressed that continued hostilities would only prolong suffering and hinder the prospects for any durable peace settlement in the region.
Albares also remarked on the alarming toll of the conflict, noting that thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians have lost their lives. He stated that once the gunfire subsides, the international community should convene a peace conference to chart a course toward mutual recognition of a Palestinian state and a lasting resolution to the key conflict issues, including borders, security, and the status of refugees.
On the humanitarian front, the minister confirmed Spain’s ongoing financial support for UNRWA, the United Nations agency assisting Palestinian refugees. This commitment comes as UNRWA faced scrutiny from Israel amid allegations that its staff participated in militant operations linked to the Hamas network. Albares affirmed Spain’s position that humanitarian aid and international oversight must continue to ensure aid reaches those in need while safeguarding the neutrality and integrity of aid organizations.
Prior to the meeting’s start, Albares met with Maros Sefcovic, vice-president of the European Commission and head of Interinstitutional Relations. The discussion focused on the Gibraltar agreement reached after the Brexit process, a development that Albares publicly signaled on his official social media channel. The talks underscored ongoing cooperation within the EU framework and the willingness to address post-Brexit arrangements in a stable, predictable manner.