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Maurer to Asharq Al-Awsat: Switzerland Ready to Strengthen Relations With Saudi Arabia

Maurer to Asharq Al-Awsat: Switzerland Ready to Strengthen Relations With Saudi Arabia
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Maurer to Asharq Al-Awsat: Switzerland Ready to Strengthen Relations With Saudi Arabia

Maurer to Asharq Al-Awsat: Switzerland Ready to Strengthen Relations With Saudi Arabia

In the next two days, Swiss President Ueli Maurer will tour the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Talks are expected to focus on the prevailing atmosphere in the region after the recent attacks on Saudi Aramco facilities and Iranian violations of international maritime rules in and around the Strait of Hormuz, as well as exploring opportunities to expand trade and investment opportunities.

Maurer, who also heads of the Swiss Federal Department of Finance, is accompanied by a high-level delegation from major financial institutions.

His visit to Saudi Arabia comes on the eve of the Future Investment Initiative conference, which has become a regional and international attraction and is expected to witness the participation of the world's leading financial institutions.

Asharq Al-Awsat interviewed the Swiss leader ahead of his anticipated visit:

1. You are visiting the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia soon, what are your expectations from this visit?

I will be spending a number of days in the Gulf Region together with a delegation from the Swiss financial sector. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are our biggest economic partners in the Middle East and Africa region. My visit to Saudi Arabia is a follow-up to my visit in February 2018, during which Switzerland and Saudi Arabia agreed to hold regular discussions on financial matters to engage in a financial dialogue.

There are further areas in which we see potential for closer cooperation between our countries. We seek not only to strengthen our economic relations; we also want to work more closely together in the fields of science, research and development cooperation. During my visit I will be sounding out my Saudi colleagues on the possibilities. Finally, I would also like to offer our good offices in an attempt to deescalate the current tensions in the Gulf Region.

2. How do you describe your relationship with Saudi Arabia?

Our countries enjoy strong ties. For many years, we have been welcoming guests from Saudi Arabia to Switzerland, especially to the Lake Geneva region. Since bilateral relations were established in 1956, cooperation has intensified and diversified considerably. Besides the growing level of trade, we pursue many other common interests. Let me give a few examples; at the multilateral level, we are both committed to efforts to reform the UN Security Council. And Switzerland has joined Saudi Arabia in the conservation of natural resources by supporting an innovative project for the protection of Red Sea corals.

Switzerland also welcomes the current reform process in Saudi Arabia and is ready to explore opportunities for new areas of cooperation. One example could be the eco-friendly tourism project on the Red Sea coast, where we could bring in the expertise of Swiss tourism organizations or hotel management schools. Moreover, thanks to the recently launched tourist visa, more Swiss visitors might soon travel to Saudi Arabia.

3. How do you evaluate the level of trade exchanges and political deliberations with Saudi Arabia?

Switzerland and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia look back on a long history of strong bilateral relations and trading relations. Swiss exports to Saudi Arabia remained relatively stable in 2018 and amounted to 1.9 billion Swiss francs. Our imports from Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, increased substantially to 833.5 million Swiss francs. Saudi Arabia is an important market, not only for goods, but also for services. Swiss financial institutions, for example, are well represented on the Saudi markets. At the political level, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia hold regular exchanges at all levels, which offer the opportunity to discuss issues in-depth and, at the same time, explore further areas of cooperation.

4. The Kingdom is witnessing a great transformation under Vision 2030. Are you interested in the investment opportunities resulting from such change?

I welcome the reform plans under Vision 2030, which should diversify the economy and reduce its dependence on oil. The Kingdom’s aim of fostering SME entrepreneurship and strengthening the development of the private sector are very important steps towards more sustainable economic growth. Let me emphasize the importance of integrating the female workforce into the labor market. This is key to inclusive social and economic development in the Kingdom.

Swiss companies already have a substantial presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Almost every month at least one more Swiss company establishes some form of business links with the country. Switzerland has a very liberal economic system and the role of the State is limited to creating favorable framework conditions. Private investors decide on new investment opportunities based on their own calculations and interests.

5. Switzerland is a very dynamic economy. What are the secrets behind this success?

You cannot put it down to any single factor. Instead you have to see it like a puzzle. Each improvement in framework conditions adds one more piece to complete the big picture. Having said that, some pieces are rather more important than others! In my view, the dual-track system of vocational and professional education is one of the key elements. The dual-track of practice and theory does not only prepare young people for work, but also provides top-level education at higher education institutions. Other important aspects are reliable governance, high-quality infrastructure and the stable legal and political system. Our tax environment is conducive to growth, resulting in a high level of employment. However, there are still many challenges ahead. Switzerland is facing major demographic changes in the coming years, which will be a challenge for the sustainability of our state pension system.

As for the potential for cooperation, cooperation already exists in many sectors. We have active dialogues at the political and economic level, and the many Swiss companies operating in the Kingdom are shaping the areas in which we cooperate. The recent developments and openings in Saudi Arabia are quickly creating new opportunities. Arrangements are already in place for instance among Swiss hospitality training institutions and their Saudi counterparts. This is a very promising sector and Swiss expertise can bring considerable added value.

6. Alongside your role as President of the Swiss Confederation, you are also Switzerland’s finance minister. Where do you see opportunities for cooperation between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia in this field?

We see various possibilities for closer cooperation in the financial sector that would be in both countries’ interests. Partnership between Swiss and Saudi firms could be envisaged, especially in areas where Switzerland and its financial center may be able to provide specific expertise. This could be the case, for instance, in the area of asset management or in sustainable investments. The increasing demand for sustainable assets and infrastructure, particularly also from countries in the Middle East, could provide the opportunity for deeper cooperation. Financing quality infrastructure investments for sustainable development, by leveraging technological innovations, is in the interests of both our countries. Moreover, within the context of Vision 2030 Switzerland would like to explore other areas, such as sharing best practices in the field of SME-lending and financing activities through banks.

7. Your visit to Saudi Arabia comes after the attack on Aramco, one that Iran is suspected of being behind. What is your stance on this?

Switzerland is very concerned about increasing tensions in the Gulf region. We believe any further escalation must be avoided, because another violent conflict would have devastating consequences for all peoples in the region and beyond. We immediately condemned the recent attacks on Aramco and welcome the thorough investigation that is currently underway into the matter.

8. Iran’s recent activities have raised the issue of maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, which, in turn, led the United States of America to react. What is your view on this?

Switzerland calls upon all parties to respect international treaties, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out clear rules for the passage of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

9. Does Switzerland plan to play a role in lowering tensions in the Gulf region?

Switzerland has long been committed to promoting security and peaceful co-existence in the Middle East and the Gulf region. We repeatedly offer our good offices to all parties concerned and are always ready to facilitate communication. This is nothing new and we will continue to do this under the current circumstances. Moreover, in addition to our longstanding protecting power mandate for the US in Iran, we have recently assumed reciprocal protecting power mandates for Saudi Arabia in Iran and vice versa.

10. Switzerland has previously played a role in attempts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. How do you perceive the peace process today?

It is now over 25 years since the Oslo Accords were signed, and key issues, including borders, Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, and settlements, remain unresolved. The situation on the ground, in particular, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem, the continuing blockade of the Gaza Strip and recurring violence threaten the prospects of a two-state solution. The economic and humanitarian problems caused by the Israeli occupation, the division between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and high levels of youth unemployment are further challenges undermining prospects for a viable Palestinian State. According to Switzerland, a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians can only be achieved through negotiations based on the Two-State solution, as well as on the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

Switzerland is engaged in the Middle East in cooperation and peace promotion and humanitarian aid programs. Switzerland encourages innovative approaches to addressing core issues of the conflict, in particular by supporting efforts to deal with the past and by promoting mutual understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. Switzerland also works hard to ensure that all parties respect international law. Moreover, Switzerland has been active in intra-Palestinian reconciliation. Through diplomatic channels, it assists Egyptian-led efforts to re-establish the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip. Finally, UNRWA is an important multilateral partner to Switzerland whose role is essential for the security and stability in the region. Switzerland will continue working with UNRWA and other donors on reform efforts to ensure that UNRWA can provide its services more effectively and efficiently.

11. Switzerland is the depositary state of the Geneva Conventions, which are this year celebrating their 70th anniversary. What is Switzerland’s role in this regard?

I firmly believe that values serve us as a compass. They help us to find our way in a complex world and preserve what is worth protecting. One such compass is the Geneva Conventions, adopted 70 years ago. The purpose of international humanitarian law is to preserve the dignity of people in countries beset by war. It should be possible to treat the wounded and sick, for children to go to school and for civilians to be spared from the fighting. Yet we still encounter violations of international humanitarian law on a regular basis.

Switzerland is the depositary state of the Conventions, and humanitarian engagement is a key element of our foreign policy. Switzerland is firmly committed to strengthening and encouraging respect for humanitarian international law. In this anniversary year, we are calling on all states to take measures to improve respect for humanitarian international law. This is why the situation in Yemen is one of the issues that will be on the agenda for my meetings with high-ranking officials in the United Arab Emirates and in Saudi Arabia.

12. You have a special relationship with President Trump. How do you perceive Washington’s role internationally?

Solid bilateral relations with the USA are vital for our country. Our relations have strong historical roots. Switzerland and the USA have long shared common values such as democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law. This, together with our own interests and priorities, provides the basis on which we work with the US government. At a meeting in May, President Trump and I discussed a number of issues, including the way in which Switzerland’s good offices can open up diplomatic channels in conflict areas.

13. There is controversy about immigration to Europe, and as a result, we are witnessing the rise of rightist, anti-refugee movements. Are there concerns about the notion of coexistence in Switzerland, specifically, and in Europe generally?

When it becomes hard to control streams of refugees, as was the case in 2015, it is understandable that concerns should arise. When we are able to control migration, it becomes less of an issue. Switzerland is pursuing a clear objective: people who need protection should receive protection; people who do not need protection must leave Switzerland at the earliest opportunity. We expect all prosperous regions of the world to show solidarity and to contribute towards solving the global refugee problem.

Around a quarter of the population of Switzerland are foreign nationals. In the vast majority of cases, we live our daily lives together without any difficulty. Integration is the key to maintaining the peaceful co-existence of Swiss people with our foreign residents. This works when every person living in Switzerland accepts the values set out in the Federal Constitution and shows respect for their fellow residents. Integration can be regarded as a success when all the residents of a country, irrespective of their origins, have the same opportunities.

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Interviews

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Only the State Decides on Talks with Israel

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi - File Photo
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi - File Photo
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Lebanon’s Foreign Minister to Asharq Al-Awsat: Only the State Decides on Talks with Israel

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi - File Photo
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi - File Photo

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said Lebanon “has started to gradually reclaim its natural right to determine its own fate independently of others’ calculations,” stressing that the Lebanese state “alone holds the decision to negotiate,” and that Lebanon “is not subordinate to anyone and is not a card in the hands of any axis.”

He expressed regret that the state’s efforts to secure financial and political support for reconstruction “are being confronted by an internal party, Hezbollah, which continues to gamble with the fate of these villages and their residents in service of goals and agendas unrelated to the national interest or to the suffering of the people of the south.”

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Raggi said that “the national priority today is to fully restore sovereignty, without diminution,” adding that “there is no shame in the Lebanese state negotiating with Israel if the goal is to end the war and recover territory.”

He also condemned “what has been uncovered of roving sabotage networks linked to Hezbollah in a number of Arab countries,” while at the same time denouncing the targeting of brotherly Arab states and their security and stability.

 

Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raggi (L) meets UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix (R) at the Lebanese Foreign Ministry in Beirut, Lebanon, 07 January 2026. Lacroix is on an official visit to meet Lebanon's leaders. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Negotiations exclusively in the hands of the state

The Lebanese ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Mouawad, held a second direct meeting with her Israeli counterpart, Yechiel Leiter, at the US State Department to discuss extending the truce and to set a date and venue for negotiations between the two delegations, in what is the first track of direct talks since 1993.

Raggi noted: “Iran dragged Lebanon into a war that was neither the choice of the Lebanese state nor of the majority of the Lebanese, but was imposed on it under an approach that treats Lebanon as a pressure card to be used at regional and international negotiating tables.”

He continued: “This led to the step taken by President Joseph Aoun to pursue a path of direct negotiations, clearly declaring that the Lebanese state alone holds the decision to negotiate, and that Lebanon is not subordinate to anyone and is not a card in the hands of any axis.” He stressed that “this step is not limited to its negotiating dimension, but lays the groundwork for restoring independent national decision-making and reinstating the concept of the state as the sole reference in war, peace, and foreign policy.”

Raggi reaffirmed that “the Lebanese track is now separate from the Iranian track,” and that “Lebanon’s interests are no longer hostage to the progress or deadlock of Iranian negotiations,” noting that “the second preparatory meeting is being held while talks related to Iran are facing stagnation and complications, which proves that Lebanon has begun to gradually reclaim its natural right to determine its own fate independently of others’ calculations.”He said: “This is a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s modern history, as it ends a long phase in which national milestones were tied to external agendas.”

No longer an arena

Raggi said: “We will no longer accept using Lebanon as an arena for settling regional scores or as a platform for military and political adventurism whose cost is borne by the Lebanese in their security, economy, and national unity.” He explained: “Experience has shown that turning Lebanon into an open arena for conflict has brought it nothing but destruction, isolation, and collapse. What is required today is to reassert its position as a sovereign state, not as a sphere of influence or a permanent front line.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun holding talks with Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi (Presidency)

Objectives of negotiations

On the objectives of negotiations, Raggi said that “Lebanon’s move toward negotiations is intended to address outstanding issues between the two countries, foremost among them border, security, and humanitarian matters,” stressing that “negotiation is not surrender, as some try to portray it, but a tool for defending national interests when conducted from a position of state authority and with careful calculation.”He added: “The balance of power is not measured only in weapons, but also in the legitimacy of the state, unity of the national position, international support, and the ability to use law and diplomacy to protect rights.”

He noted that “it is a grave mistake to portray Lebanon as being in a position of absolute weakness, just as it is equally wrong to portray it as being in a position of surrender. The reality is that Lebanon, if its institutions are unified, can negotiate from a clear national-interest position.”

Raggi added: “The national priority today is to fully restore sovereignty, without diminution. There is no shame in the Lebanese state negotiating with Israel if the goal is to end the war, recover territory, and secure a lasting peace that preserves the dignity of the Lebanese and prevents the recurrence of tragedies, especially for our people in the south who have paid a heavy price in lives, homes, and livelihoods.”

He continued: “The futile adventures carried out through what are called ‘proxies’ have proven that their outcome was neither liberation nor victory, but further fragmentation and weakening of the Lebanese state and depletion of its society and economy.”

Monopoly of arms

Raggi said Lebanon “has long delayed implementing governmental and constitutional decisions related to restricting weapons to the state, particularly Hezbollah’s arms, at a time when the majority of Lebanese are calling for a real state that alone holds the right to use force.” He added: “Restricting arms is not a political demand by one side against another; it is the only gateway to building a modern state, because the very concept of the state fundamentally contradicts the existence of armed groups outside its authority. A state cannot exist with two sets of arms, two sovereignties, or two decisions on war and peace.”

He pointed out that “facts have shown that weapons outside state control did not liberate occupied land, did not protect Lebanese citizens, and did not prevent destruction; rather, they deepened national losses.”

He explained: “Before the ‘support for Gaza’ war and linking Lebanon to the Iranian confrontation, the disputed border points were limited and confined to known issues, including the thirteen points, the Shebaa Farms, and the Kfar Shouba hills. After October 7, 2023, Israeli occupation expanded inside Lebanese territory at five points, and after March 2, the occupied areas widened further, while dozens of villages were destroyed and vast areas suffered devastation and displacement.”

He added: “This catastrophic outcome confirms that the logic of uncontrolled arms did not produce protection; rather, Hezbollah’s war calculus ultimately imposed the path of direct negotiations as the only way to recover what Lebanon has lost.”

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi - AFP

Targeting Arab states

Raggi strongly condemned “the discovery of roving sabotage networks linked to Hezbollah in a number of Arab countries.” He said: “This behavior is another example of the nature of the cross-border Iranian project, and its danger is not limited to Lebanon’s sovereignty but also extends to the security of sister and friendly states that have long stood by Lebanon in its most difficult times.”

He added: “We have informed our friends in the concerned countries of Lebanon’s full readiness for judicial and security cooperation, to pursue those responsible for these networks and provide all necessary assistance. We also reiterate our absolute rejection of using Lebanese territory or any Lebanese entity to harm the security of any Arab or friendly country.”

Hezbollah ‘gambling with the south’

Meanwhile, Israel continues explosions in border villages in the south. Raggi said: “We are closely following developments on the ground in the south, particularly the security belt imposed by Israel. The Foreign Ministry is working through all available diplomatic channels to achieve a full Israeli withdrawal, ensure residents can return to their villages, and launch reconstruction.”

He added: “But it is regrettable that while the state seeks to secure financial and political support for rebuilding, it faces an internal party, Hezbollah, that continues to gamble with the fate of these villages and their residents in service of goals and agendas unrelated to Lebanon’s interest or the suffering of the people of the south.”

Raggi said: “The painful scene of destroyed villages in the south, and of residents who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and sense of safety, should be a moment for courageous national reassessment,” stressing that “those who caused this war and dragged Lebanon into it against the will of its people must bear their political, moral, and historical responsibility and review their calculations before it is too late.”

Raggi affirmed that “Lebanon can no longer bear others’ wars, their projects, or illusions of victory that bring only ruin.” He concluded: “The future must belong to the state, to sovereignty, and to a just peace that protects all Lebanese.”

Interviews

Healey to Asharq Al-Awsat: UK Has More Jets Flying in the Region Than at Any Time in the Last 15 Years

British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, 24 March 2026. EPA/ANDY RAIN
British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, 24 March 2026. EPA/ANDY RAIN
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Healey to Asharq Al-Awsat: UK Has More Jets Flying in the Region Than at Any Time in the Last 15 Years

British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, 24 March 2026. EPA/ANDY RAIN
British Secretary of State for Defense John Healey arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, 24 March 2026. EPA/ANDY RAIN

British Defense Secretary John Healey revealed Wednesday that UK pilots and aircrew have flown over 1,200 hours on defensive missions across the Middle East since the conflict with Iran erupted, saying they have now had over 80 engagements together with RAF Regiment Gunners.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Healey said that the UK has around 1,000 personnel in the region and an extra 500 air defense personnel in Cyprus.

“I continue to work closely with our partners in the region on what further support we can provide,” he said, lauding the UK-Saudi Arabia defense partnership which he said is “founded on mutual security interests and longstanding industrial collaboration.”

“Although our friendship is historic, it has evolved into a modern partnership that responds to contemporary challenges,” he added.

On ties between Moscow and Iran, Healey did not rule out a hidden Russian hand behind some of the Iranian tactics.

The following are the key points from the interview:

80 engagements

“UK pilots and aircrew have flown over 1,200 hours on defensive missions across the region. Together with our RAF Regiment Gunners, they have now had over 80 engagements since the conflict began,” said Healey.

“I am proud of the work that our UK Armed Forces are doing alongside our Gulf partners to help keep people safe in the region. Their dedication and professionalism is helping to save lives as Iran indiscriminately targets countries across the Gulf,” he added.

Heavy Deployment

“The UK has around 1,000 personnel deployed to the region, not including our personnel in Cyprus,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat. “Force protection is at the highest levels for UK bases in the region.”

“We have more UK jets flying in the region than at any time in the last 15 years. We are undertaking defensive counter air operations over Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE as well as Cyprus,” he said.

“Since January, I have deployed extra equipment and people to the region. This includes Typhoon and F-35 jets, Wildcat helicopters armed with purpose-built counter-drone Martlet missiles, a Merlin Crowsnest helicopter, providing airborne surveillance and control plus radar systems, air defense systems and counter-drone units.”

He added that there are now an extra 500 air defense personnel in Cyprus, and the warship, HMS Dragon - which is fully integrated within the layered air defense system with allies and partners - is deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Defense Systems to Support the Gulf

“I continue to work closely with our partners in the region on what further support we can provide, which was the purpose of my visit (to Riyadh) this week,” Healey told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“I confirmed during my meeting with the Defense Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, that we will deploy Sky Sabre to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - an air defense system that will be integrated into Saudi Arabia’s defenses to support Saudi Arabia's efforts in repelling Iran's attacks,” he added.

He also said that Rapid Sentry – a system made up of a radar and a missile launcher – was deployed to Kuwait, and Lightweight Multiple Launchers to Bahrain.

“We have extended the operations of our jets in Qatar which are flying defensive missions every night, and through Taskforce Sabre we're ensuring UK industry steps up too. The Taskforce brings together industry who offer counter drone and air defense capabilities with governments, including Gulf partners ... to rapidly provide them with the equipment they need.”

Advanced defense partnership with Saudi Arabia

On his visit to Saudi Arabia, he said the trip was aimed at showing support “during this period of sustained and indiscriminate Iranian attacks, and also to discuss further cooperation between our nations to protect our people and our shared interests in the Kingdom. That's why I was delighted to meet with His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Salman to discuss recent events in the region.”

“The UK and Saudi Arabia have a close, longstanding friendship, and share a decades-long defense partnership, founded on mutual security interests and longstanding industrial collaboration.”

That friendship “has evolved into a modern partnership that responds to contemporary challenges. This really matters in times like today: it means we have the trust and the shared understanding to respond quickly and decisively when the security environment demands it. It is precisely because of that deep foundation that we are able to act as we have done, such as deploying Sky Sabre to Saudi Arabia.”

Russian-Iranian cooperation

On Russia’s role in the Iran war, Healey said: “Our assessment is that, even prior to US and Israeli strikes, Russia highly likely shared intelligence and provided training to Iran, including on things such as drone technology and operations, and electronic warfare. And our intelligence also indicates that this cooperation is ongoing.”

“No one will be surprised that Putin’s hidden hand may be behind some of the Iranian tactics and potentially some of their capabilities as well. We see an axis of aggression between Russia and Iran - two countries that menace their neighbors and that pose a threat more widely to us all.”

No assessment on targeting Europe

Healey said that there is no assessment Iran is trying to target Europe with missiles. “Even if they did, we have the resources and alliances we need to keep the UK and our allies safe from any kind of attacks, whether it's on our soil or from abroad. The UK stands ready 24/7 to defend itself and protection of forces is at the highest levels for our bases in the region.”

Interviews

Spain’s FM Backs Saudi Arabia, Tells Asharq Al-Awsat that Iranian Attacks Are ‘Unjustified’

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Photo: Foreign Ministry
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Photo: Foreign Ministry
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Spain’s FM Backs Saudi Arabia, Tells Asharq Al-Awsat that Iranian Attacks Are ‘Unjustified’

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Photo: Foreign Ministry
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Photo: Foreign Ministry

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has expressed Madrid’s support to Saudi Arabia, describing Iranian attacks on the Kingdom and other countries in the Gulf as “unjustified.”

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat published Thursday, the minister revealed that efforts were being exerted by Spain as part of several European countries and in coordination with nations in the Middle East to de-escalate, resort to diplomacy and put an end to the US-Israeli-Iranian war.

Albares said “Spain has openly condemned” the Iranian attacks and summoned Iran’s ambassador to convey “its firm rejection of violence.”

The Spanish Foreign Ministry also “called for an immediate cessation of these attacks," he said.

“The attacks conducted by Iran are completely unjustified,” Albares told Asharq Al-Awsat, while stressing full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries against the Iranian attacks.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has recently received a phone call from the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, who expressed “Spain’s support and solidarity in light of the unjustified attacks that the country is suffering.”

“Spain's stance is firmly rooted in defending international law and the United Nations Charter, rather than the principle of might makes right,” said Albares.

This message has been conveyed to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, he added.

Call for de-escalation and negotiation

“Spain advocates de-escalation, negotiation, and respect for international law. Our voice aims to bring reason and restraint to the current situation. We cannot accept the idea of war becoming a means by which countries interact with one another or a mechanism for establishing a balance of power in the Middle East. Violence never brings peace, stability or democracy; it only creates more violence and chaos,” said the minister.

“In light of this military escalation, Spain is acting coherently in accordance with the values of peace and solidarity that define Spanish society — values that are also shared by the majority of European states. Our country makes its decisions in line with European principles, the UN Charter, and international law,” he added.

The war has already had consequences that extend beyond the Middle East. For example, it has affected Cyprus and Türkiye, he said, warning that this increases the risk of the ongoing conflict spreading beyond the region.

The minister told Asharq Al-Awsat that the war is also affecting international trade and production of energy, which have a direct impact on global economies and geopolitics.

“The unpredictable consequences of the current conflict are making the situation extremely dangerous for the security and stability of the Middle East, including the Gulf states, which are being particularly targeted,” he said in response to a question.

Countries involved in the confrontation

Albares spoke about the situation of several countries in the region, including Lebanon, which he said “is facing a dramatic situation with numbers of victims increasing daily, an overstretched medical system incapable to attend them, more than a million of displaced people, and the destruction of civil infrastructure. The life of the people of Lebanon is disappearing before their eyes.”

He said Spain has condemned the attacks carried out by Hezbollah, that are fueling the spiral of confrontation, as well as Israel's attacks. “An Israeli land invasion is already ongoing, a grave error in a country that has already endured immense suffering.”

“We cannot ignore the attacks by Israel and non-State actors on UN forces, on UNIFIL, in which Spain has a significant presence, nor the repeated violations of international humanitarian law," Albares said.

The minister also expressed concern over the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. “There is no clear vision for the future, and humanitarian aid is not reaching the area, with access blocked and NGOs and humanitarian actors prevented to operate on the ground. In the West Bank in particular, settlement expansion and settler violence continues to increase with impunity,” he said.

High-risk situation defined by an unpredictable conflict

“We are facing an escalation of violence that has already killed thousands of people and negatively impacted maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and critical energy infrastructures, with direct consequences for global energy security,” he said.

“In short, it is an extremely high-risk situation defined by an unpredictable conflict that poses a direct threat to the security and stability of the Middle East, with repercussions that can be felt across the globe,” he added.

Asked about his views of the Gulf's concern about the war’s repercussions, Albares said: “Spain fully understands the Gulf countries' concerns about the consequences of this war. This has been reflected in the diplomatic outreach that I have conducted with my counterparts in the region.”

“Increasing insecurity in countries under attack from missiles and drones without justification — attacks that Spain firmly condemns — particularly those launched by Iran, contribute to an increasingly dangerous and complex situation. In this context, Spain advocates clear de-escalation, negotiation and respect for international law, insisting that we must avoid anything that adds to the tension.”

He added that “the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is also extremely worrying, as its impact on energy security and international trade is clear.”

He stressed that the conflict has human and humanitarian dimensions, such as loss of life and displacement, warning that this could have direct consequences also in Europe. So, he called for “a responsible solution based on solidarity.”

Unified position

“The only clear thing is that a response is necessary, and in this sense, Spain supports a response based on the unity of the international community around the universal applicability and respect of International law and the UN Charter,” said Albares.

Asked to what extent the current situation is likely to explode into a broader war,” the minister said: “The consequences of the actions of Israel, as well as Iran’s response, are unpredictable. We are entering a situation that makes it difficult to determine where the escalation could lead and what the ultimate effects could be.”