ISTANBUL

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the country rejected the "unilateral military action" launched by US and Israel against Iran on Saturday and warned that the world cannot afford another "devastating war" in the Middle East.

"We reject the unilateral military action by the United States and Israel, which represents an escalation and contributes to a more uncertain and hostile international order. We likewise reject the actions of the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guard," Sanchez wrote on US social media platform X.

He noted that another "prolonged and devastating war" in the Middle East cannot be afforded.

"We demand immediate de-escalation and full respect for international law. It is time to resume dialogue and achieve a lasting political solution for the region," Sanchez added.

Israel and the US announced early Saturday a joint operation against Iran, citing "threats" posed by the "Iranian regime."

Saying that it has the right to self-defense, Iran retaliated, targeting Israel and US assets in multiple Gulf states. Several countries in the region also shut their airspace.

Separately, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said that he discussed the situation with his Saudi Arabian, Qatari, Turkish, Jordanian, and Egyptian counterparts.

In a post on X, Albares said that "attacks must stop," and added: "Spain demands respect for international law, de-escalation, and dialogue."

"I conveyed to them (foreign ministers) Spain's firm commitment to regional stability and peace, and our solidarity and support for those who are being attacked, attacks which we reject."

The attacks came as talks between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program had been ongoing under Oman's mediation. A new round of talks in Geneva ended on Thursday.

The US also struck three Iranian nuclear sites during the 12-day Israel-Iran war last June.