Spain has announced that it will reopen its embassy in Tehran as part of efforts to promote regional peace. The announcement was made on Thursday, April 9, 2026, by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, who said the Spanish ambassador in Tehran has been instructed to resume duties and reopen the embassy to engage directly in peace initiatives from Iran’s capital.

Albares also accused Israel of violating international law and breaking a recently established two-week ceasefire in the Middle East. He claimed that Israel carried out airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday, disregarding the truce and international legal norms. Spain has emerged as one of the strongest critics among Western nations of U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran and Lebanon.

In response to the ongoing conflict, Spain has already closed its airspace to any aircraft involved in the hostilities, signaling a firm stance on limiting military escalation in the region.

Atletico Madrid earned a crucial 2-0 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals on April 9, 2026. Barcelona, reduced to ten men after defender Pau Cubarsí was sent off in the 44th minute, struggled to recover as Diego Simeone’s side capitalized on their advantage. Julián Álvarez opened the scoring with a free-kick before Alexander Sørloth doubled the lead in the 70th minute.

Despite dominating possession and registering 18 shots, seven of which were on target, Barcelona failed to find the net due to poor finishing. Atletico, meanwhile, made the most of their limited chances to secure their first win at Camp Nou since 2006. The result gives the Madrid club a strong position heading into the return leg.

Barcelona now face a major challenge to overturn the deficit in the second leg at Atletico’s Metropolitano Stadium, where they must win by at least two goals to stay in contention for the semifinals.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called on the European Union to suspend its cooperation agreement with Israel following a deadly attack in Lebanon that killed 254 people on the same day a ceasefire was declared. Sánchez accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of showing contempt for human life and international law, describing the assault as Israel’s harshest strike against Lebanon. He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, citing more than 200 deaths and over a thousand injuries.

Sánchez urged the international community to condemn Israel for violating international law and insisted that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that no impunity should be granted for what he described as a criminal act. The EU-Israel Association Agreement, signed in 2000, serves as the legal foundation for trade, political dialogue, and economic cooperation between the two sides.

The Spanish leader’s appeal adds pressure on the EU to reconsider its ties with Israel amid growing concerns over civilian casualties and adherence to international law.

FIFA has opened a disciplinary investigation against the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following anti-Muslim chants by fans during Spain’s international friendly against Egypt on March 31. The match, held at RCDE Stadium, ended in a goalless draw, but the behavior of some spectators drew widespread criticism. FIFA confirmed that it is reviewing video footage, referee and match observer reports, and security information to determine possible sanctions, which could include fines, matches behind closed doors, or temporary venue bans.

During the first half, anti-Muslim slogans were heard from the stands, prompting stadium authorities to issue warnings on the giant screen. Despite repeated messages, a section of fans continued chanting and whistling. The RFEF publicly condemned the incident, reaffirming its stance against racism and discrimination in football. Spanish police have also begun a separate investigation into the Islamophobic behavior.

Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente strongly denounced the conduct and called for action against those responsible. Spanish player Lamine Yamal also criticized the chants, calling the use of religion as mockery a sign of ignorance and racism.

Spanish footballer Lamine Yamal has strongly condemned anti-Muslim chants heard during the Spain-Egypt friendly match held at Barcelona’s RCDE Stadium. The match ended in a goalless draw, but the incident in the stands drew widespread attention. Several Spanish supporters were heard chanting anti-Muslim slogans, prompting stadium authorities to issue a warning on the big screen during the first half. Despite the warning, similar chants continued in the second half.

Spain’s football authorities and national team coach Luis de la Fuente have both denounced the incident and expressed firm opposition to such behavior. Yamal, who is Muslim, responded on social media, calling the chants disrespectful and labeling the use of religion as a joke an act of ignorance and racism. He emphasized that football should be a game of enjoyment, not a platform for mocking anyone’s faith or identity.

Yamal concluded his message by thanking supporters and expressing hope to meet them again at the World Cup.

Spain has prohibited U.S. military aircraft involved in attacks on Iran from using its airspace, Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced in Madrid. The restriction follows an earlier ban on the use of jointly operated military bases, extending Spain’s stance against participation in Iran-related military operations. Robles clarified that Spain will not allow either its bases or airspace to be used for any war activities linked to Iran.

Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo said the move reflects Spain’s policy of not supporting any war initiated unilaterally or in violation of international law. The decision means U.S. military aircraft will need to find alternative routes, though emergency flights are exempt from the restriction.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has previously criticized the U.S.-Israel coalition’s military campaign against Iran, while former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened commercial retaliation in response to Spain’s position.

Fifteen-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has recently trained with Real Madrid’s youth academy, raising speculation about his potential move to the Spanish club. The Athletic first reported the development, later confirmed by Spanish outlet Marca, which noted that the young player could soon join the club officially. He has been practicing with Real Madrid’s Cadet ‘A’ team, playing as a winger while coaches assess his performance over several days.

Ronaldo Jr., currently part of Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr academy, began playing there after his father Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club in December 2022. Before that, he represented youth teams of Manchester United and Juventus. Born in the United States, he chose to represent Portugal internationally and made his debut for the country’s under-15 team against Japan last May.

The teenager’s training stint at Real Madrid has reignited attention on his father’s legacy at the club, where Cristiano Ronaldo played from 2009 to 2018. Observers now await whether the younger Ronaldo will begin a new chapter at the same club that defined much of his father’s career.

Barcelona advanced to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals after a dominant 7-2 victory over Newcastle United at Camp Nou on Wednesday night. The first half was tightly contested, with both sides exchanging goals. Raphinha and Marc Bernal twice put Barcelona ahead, but Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga equalized both times. In first-half injury time, Lamine Yamal converted a penalty to restore Barcelona’s lead. The second half turned one-sided as the hosts took full control, adding four more goals through Fermín López, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha.

Raphinha and Lewandowski each scored twice, while Yamal, Bernal, and López added one goal apiece. The win followed a 1-1 draw in the first leg, where Barcelona had conceded late. Under coach Hansi Flick, the Catalan side displayed attacking dominance and secured their place among Europe’s top eight teams.

The result marks a strong statement of intent from Barcelona as they continue their Champions League campaign, showing renewed form and confidence after earlier struggles in the competition.

Real Madrid secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16, played at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on March 12, 2026. Uruguayan midfielder Federico Valverde scored all three goals, marking his first career hat-trick. Despite missing key players Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham due to injury, Real dominated the match from the start.

Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute, doubling the lead seven minutes later from a Vinícius Júnior assist, and completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute from a Brahim Díaz cross. In the second half, Vinícius missed a penalty, while City’s Erling Haaland failed to convert his chances, with Antonio Rüdiger making a crucial defensive block. The Spanish side maintained control until the final whistle.

With this result, Real Madrid take a strong advantage into the return leg in Manchester next Tuesday, where City face a difficult task to overturn the deficit.

Spain has decided to recall its ambassador from Tel Aviv and appoint a chargé d’affaires instead, effectively reducing its diplomatic representation in Israel. According to Reuters, the decision was published in the Spanish government’s official gazette on Wednesday.

Spain has been one of the strongest critics of the United States and Israel over their attacks on Iran, a stance that has angered U.S. President Donald Trump. The Spanish government also refused to allow the use of its joint bases in Morón and Rota for the strikes on Iran. In response, Trump reportedly called Spain “annoying” and threatened to impose a full trade embargo on the country.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez defended Spain’s position, saying that one illegal act cannot be answered with another, as such actions lead to major human tragedies. Spain has also been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in the Gaza war and remains one of Europe’s leading supporters of establishing an independent Palestinian state.

Spain has permanently withdrawn its ambassador from Israel, marking a severe downturn in bilateral relations. The decision, announced in Spain’s official gazette on Tuesday, follows months of escalating tension after Madrid opposed U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. Spain’s foreign ministry said its embassy in Tel Aviv will now be managed by a chargé d’affaires.

The dispute began last September when Spain recalled its ambassador in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Madrid also banned the use of its airspace and ports by arms shipments bound for Israel, further straining ties. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar had labeled Spain’s stance as antisemitic. Relations deteriorated further after Spain recognized the State of Palestine, prompting Israel to withdraw its own ambassador.

Tensions intensified again after February 28, when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began. The diplomatic downgrade underscores the deepening divide between the two nations over Middle East policy and the Gaza conflict.

Barcelona returned to winning form in La Liga after their Copa del Rey semifinal disappointment, defeating Athletic Bilbao 1–0 away on March 8, 2026. The only goal of the match came from young forward Lamine Yamal in the 68th minute at San Mamés. Receiving a pass from Pedri, Yamal advanced down the right flank and curled a left-footed shot into the far post, sealing the victory for the Catalan side.

The 18-year-old’s strike marked his 19th goal across all competitions this season, following a hat-trick against Villarreal earlier in the league. Despite Bilbao’s attacking efforts, Barcelona’s defense held firm to secure three crucial points. With this win, Hansi Flick’s team leads the La Liga table with 67 points from 27 matches, four points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

Barcelona will next face Newcastle United away in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on Tuesday, aiming to carry their league momentum into European competition.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has voiced deep concern over Israel’s increased military operations in Lebanon, which have displaced thousands of people. In a post on social media platform X, Sánchez said he had spoken with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun about the overall situation in Beirut and across the country.

Sánchez assured that Spain would provide full support and humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people affected by the crisis. He also criticized the growing tensions in the Middle East, declaring that it was time to stop the destruction and war. The Spanish leader has also been at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict centered on Iran.

The situation follows reports of intensified attacks in Iran and Lebanon, with significant civilian and infrastructure damage, underscoring the widening regional instability.

Spain has rejected a White House claim that it agreed to assist the United States in a military operation against Iran. According to Al Jazeera, the Spanish government dismissed the statement made by White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, who said President Donald Trump had threatened to halt trade with Madrid before Spain allegedly agreed to cooperate.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares refuted the claim, stating that Spain’s position on the Middle East conflict and any attack on Iran remains unchanged. In an interview with Cadena SER radio, he reiterated that Spain would not allow U.S. bases in southern Spain to be used for any military action outside the framework of the United Nations Charter.

The Spanish government’s statement directly contradicts the White House’s assertion, creating a clear diplomatic rift between the two allies. Observers suggest that this disagreement could further strain U.S.–Spain relations in the near term.

Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero stated that Madrid will not become subordinate to Washington amid growing tensions over the use of Spanish bases for a U.S. operation against Iran. Speaking to reporters, she emphasized that Spain would not tolerate any threats and would defend its values.

The dispute intensified after former U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would cut trade ties with Spain for refusing to allow its bases to be used in the Iran offensive. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had earlier cautioned that the conflict could lead to a major global catastrophe. In a televised address, he said Spain would not participate in any action harmful to the world or contrary to its values and interests, even to avoid retaliation.

The statements underscore Spain’s firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and independent foreign policy decisions despite U.S. pressure.