Spain urges EU arms embargo on Israel, calls for Iran nuclear talks

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has called for an immediate European arms embargo on Israel and urged the resumption of diplomatic negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme, as tensions between the two regional rivals threaten to spiral further.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV on Tuesday, Albares underscored the European Union's significant economic leverage and responsibility in the conflict.

"The European Union is Israel's largest trading partner in the world. We must impose an arms embargo—not sell weapons to Israel while this war continues," Albares said, as quoted by Spanish daily El País.

His remarks come in the wake of intensifying hostilities between Israel and Iran following Israeli airstrikes last Friday on multiple Iranian military and nuclear facilities.

Tehran responded with retaliatory missile attacks, deepening fears of a broader regional war.

Israeli authorities said the Iranian strikes had killed at least 24 people and left hundreds injured.

In contrast, Iran claimed that Israel's initial attacks resulted in 224 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.

Albares warned that without de-escalation, the violence could spiral into an uncontrollable regional crisis. He reiterated Spain's commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and stressed the need to reengage diplomatically with Iran.

"It is crucial to return to the path of dialogue over Iran's nuclear program," Albares said, framing the diplomatic route as essential to restoring regional stability.

The Spanish government's position adds pressure on EU member states to rethink their posture amid growing calls across Europe for a firmer stance on arms exports and a stronger push for peace.

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