Tehran (TDI): Spain has officially resumed diplomatic operations in Tehran, with its embassy reopening under a stated commitment to promote peace in the region, a move that has triggered criticism from Israel.
In a post on X, the embassy confirmed that Ambassador Antonio Sanchez-Benedito Gaspar, along with diplomatic and local staff, has returned to Tehran to continue work focused on supporting regional stability.
Several European countries, including Spain, had temporarily shifted their diplomatic missions out of Iran last month amid escalating tensions, following joint US and Israeli airstrikes. Some, like the Netherlands and Bulgaria, relocated their embassies to Baku during periods of heightened risk.
Despite the instability, a number of European Union member states have maintained a diplomatic presence in Iran, albeit with limited services. Envoys from countries such as France, Poland, Cyprus, and Finland remain stationed in Tehran.
Israel, however, has reacted sharply to Spain’s decision. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the reopening as a “disgrace,” reflecting growing tensions between the two countries.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been among the most outspoken European leaders criticizing US and Israeli actions in the region, even calling them illegal under international law. He has also urged the European Union to reconsider its ties with Israel, including the possibility of suspending existing agreements.
Sanchez had previously pushed for similar measures in 2024, citing concerns over human rights violations in Gaza, though he failed to secure broad EU backing at the time. Israel and its allies have rejected such accusations.
The diplomatic rift has deepened in recent weeks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Sanchez of leading a coordinated diplomatic campaign against Israel. In response, Israel removed Spain from a civil-military coordination centre near Gaza that oversees a US-brokered ceasefire.
Earlier this month, Spain also formally withdrew its ambassador from Israel, months after recalling her amid a dispute over Madrid’s decision to halt military exports linked to the Gaza conflict.
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Tensions had already been building after Israel pulled its own ambassador from Spain following Madrid’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, a step taken alongside several other European countries.
