Iranian officials have hailed Spain’s World Cup triumph as a powerful political statement, praising the team’s public support for Palestinians and its recent diplomatic stance against what Tehran describes as global oppression. The reaction comes as Israeli politicians and football fans had openly backed Argentina, whose president Javier Milei has been a vocal supporter of Israel’s policies.
Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, quoted by state news agency IRNA, said Spain’s conduct throughout the tournament reflected “freedom and assertiveness,” adding that the players’ defence of the Palestinian people resonated far beyond Europe. He claimed the victory “not only made the hearts of the Spanish people happy, but also the hearts of many free, independent and justice‑loving nations of the world.”
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei echoed the sentiment, saying Spain’s recent opposition to “aggression, genocide and oppression” had been “valuable,” and that the national team’s behaviour aligned with those principles. His remarks highlight how Spain’s sporting success has become intertwined with broader geopolitical narratives, particularly in the Middle East.
The contrasting reactions underscore how the World Cup even at its most celebratory moments remains deeply entangled with global politics, national alliances and competing visions of justice.
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