عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Interviews

Saudi Arabia Has Proven Its Role as Engaged International Player: Cleverly

James Cleverly, Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa
James Cleverly, Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Has Proven Its Role as Engaged International Player: Cleverly

James Cleverly, Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa
James Cleverly, Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa

Global cases of the novel coronavirus neared 7 million on Saturday, according to a Reuters tally, and the death toll has approached 400,000.

While the spread of the coronavirus unfolds differently around the world, international efforts are redoubling to face its impact and to alleviate its economic and social repercussions. In this regard, The G20 nations, currently led by Saudi Arabia, have pledged more than $21 billion to fight COVID-19, in terms of diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and research and development.

The group affirmed they will spare no effort to protect lives and the most vulnerable.

For his part, James Cleverley, the British Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa, valued Saudi Arabia's efforts in confronting the pandemic regionally and internationally. In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Cleverly lauded the coordinating role played by Saudi for the international community as the head of the G20 this year.

Below is the interview:

· You have previously mentioned that the modeling expects the Middle East to reach the peak of the pandemic in the summer months. What are you doing bilaterally with your partners in the region to mitigate the consequences of the spread?

The reason that we are really grateful about the strength of the bilateral relationships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, but also the relationships with other countries around the gulf is because every day that we deal with the Coronavirus pandemic, we learn a bit more about the nature of the infection and the virus, and how to mitigate the impact and deal with it. And it is sharing that knowledge, which means that if the modeling is accurate and the Middle East reaches its peak through the summer months, then it's not going to be dealing with that alone. And so I've had a lot of conversations with my contacts in the Gulf about what we've learned from it, and about their support for us and what we might do to support them in turn.

What we want to make sure of is, if the modeling is accurate and the peak is over the summer, that we work together to reduce the peak. The timing might be out of our control, but the way that we collectively respond to it is very much within our control.

The bilateral relationship is definitely going to help. The Gulf deal with coronavirus, but it's already helping us deal with it. And I think that's a really good example of why the relationship matters.

· Could you tell us a bit more about what you are doing with Saudi Arabia specifically to fight this pandemic, both on a regional and global level?

The strength of the Anglo- Saudi relationship has really shown himself most recently. One of the first things that we’ve had to deal with in the UK was the repatriation of British Nationals overseas, and working with the Saudis has helped get over a thousand British nationals back home. And so, that was a very early indication of how useful that relationship is.

Saudi’s leadership position within the G20 has meant that they've done a lot of coordinating role with the international communities, so that we can focus on the needs of some of the poorest countries, not just in the region, but globally, with coronavirus.

And we're working together on a whole range of health initiatives. Saudi has contributed $150 million to the Global Vaccine Summit this week, which is incredibly good. But also prior to that, they contributed $150 million to “CEPI”, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and $200 million for the World Health organizations.

And so, the financial contribution is incredibly important, and we can't underplay that. But also being thoughtful and engaged, recognizing the very visible leadership role that Saudi has in the Islamic World, and its support through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief).

I think Saudi has shown itself to be a real globally engaged player, and it is giving financial and non-financial support. And I've found both with the Saudi Ambassador to London (Prince Khalid bin Bandar) and my opposite number in the Saudi government, that they always been very willing to engage, and very willing to take my calls when we've needed to speak, and it has made a real positive difference.

· You've mentioned helping poorer countries fight the pandemic. What is the UK doing to help Yemen fight Coronavirus, especially with its weak health system, and as it is registering an increasing number of infections and deaths?

We are very concerned about the impact that coronavirus is having and could have on the people of Yemen. As you say, the provision of healthcare in Yemen is very much diminished, and we're very concerned particularly about the Houthi controlled areas where we don't have clarity of how bad the situation is. We worry about the impact that it can have on top of all the other difficulties that Yemeni people are suffering from.

The announcement from Saudi of the ceasefire over Ramadan was incredibly welcome. One of the most important things that can be done to help the people of Yemen is for there to be a complete and lasting ceasefire, so the humanitarian access can get to the people that require help.

I have recently announced at the Yemen Donor Conference £160 Million worth of support to tackle Coronavirus in the country. And we continue working closely with the Saudis and other international partners to de-escalate in Yemen, and to encourage particularly the Houthis to respect the ceasefire so that we can rebuild the country’s medical structures and that we can help the people of Yemen.

So again, the money helps, it's incredibly important, but the ceasefire is probably the single most important thing. And we are working with the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and the UN to bring about a genuine long-lasting ceasefire.

· Another country that is raising a lot of concern and is witnessing a new rise in infections, is Iran. Are you at all worried about how Iran is dealing with the pandemic within its borders and how that impacts the region and the world?

We have been concerned about the number of infections in Iran, and it's obviously very well known that we have had, and continue to have many criticisms of the Iranian government. When it comes to coronavirus, we have obviously been prioritizing humanitarian support, and we have worked to help Iran combat coronavirus, because, despite our differences, we want to see the Iranian people safe and well. It is in the regional interest, and our interest. And it's really important that Iran learns the lessons from around the world. And when it needs to take measures in terms of dealing with a potential second wave, that it is willing to take those measures. And we are willing to support them when they do the right thing. So I am concerned about the risks of a second wave of infections in Iran, and we will look to support Iran when they take the correct actions to deal with this.

· Has the pandemic distracted from security and economic cooperation in the region, especially in terms of maritime security?

Obviously, and quite rightly, coronavirus has been something that has demanded the attention of the international community both in the gulf and the UK and more widely. And that is definitely the right thing to do. But just because Coronavirus has dominated the news around the world, it doesn't mean that we've taken our eye off the ball of other challenges that pre-existed coronavirus. So things like maritime security, reducing conflict and regional instability, counterterrorism work, are all still challenges, and we are still very much focused on dealing with them.

And whilst we do speak with our friends in the Gulf about coronavirus regularly, we do still continue our strong work on countering terrorism and radicalization, and on economic prosperity, because we still have the challenge of the global economic downturn and oil price reduction. These things are having a real impact on a number of countries and people in the region, and we will continue working to make sure that our economies remain stable and vibrant and growing, because we know economic instability and political instability are bad news wherever they occur. So we will continue working in terms of security matters and economic matters, and building those relationships. And hopefully, once coronavirus is no longer the single dominating headline, people will recognize that the continued good work that we have between the UK and a number of Partners in the Gulf.

· On a more personal note, you have been appointed Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa shortly before the pandemic started. How have you personally experienced it?

I was elated, I was really pleased, when the Prime Minister offered me this role. It is a fascinating part of the world, I had the chance to visit Saudi before. And I know this is an intriguing and complicated and exciting part of the world, with some big challenges but also fantastic opportunities. And I was really looking forward to traveling and meeting people, and experiencing the culture, and the hospitality and the food.
And I suddenly find myself doing this wonderful job mainly from my dining room, over the telephone and video conferencing. And the food that I am eating is the same food as before, it’s no more glamorous.

But I have to say, the people I find myself dealing with are all having to address similar challenges at the same time. And one of the things that have been really pleasing for me to see is how willing my friends and new contacts are around the gulf to help me learn about them and about their work, over the phone, and by video conferencing, and they've been very patient.

It's always easier to get to know people face to face, and sometimes when you have difficult conversations, as we have had to deal with this challenge, it's so much easier if you have that face-to-face. I now have a number of people that I have very friendly relationships with, it feels like they're old friends, but we've never met.

I really look forward to the time when we can travel again, and I get to meet face-to-face with these people who I've become quite close to through the internet.

I don't really speak Arabic, but I've learned a couple of words and phrases. And I've now found myself saying “Inshallah” quite often.

As we look forward to the time when we can get back to a more normal way of doing business, I've been made very welcome and I really enjoy the job.

Most Viewed

 
 
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
TT
TT

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
TT
TT

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
TT
TT

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.”