Iran congratulated Spain on winning the FIFA World Cup, saying it delighted the 'free and independent nations' of the world, in an implicit reference to opponents of the United States and Israel.

Social media platforms were filled with congratulations for the Spanish national team. Many expressed their support for 'La Roja' against the backdrop of political stances taken by Madrid, particularly its condemnation of the Israeli war in the Gaza Strip and its criticism of the war waged by the United States and the Hebrew state against Iran.

In contrast, Israeli officials and fans expressed their support for Argentina, whose President Javier Milei is considered one of the leading supporters of the Hebrew state and its policies.

The official Iranian news agency (IRNA) quoted parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as saying that 'the players' defense of the Palestinian people and Spain's support for Iran... showed that freedom and courage are characteristics of that intelligent and respected nation.'

Ghalibaf, who leads the Iranian negotiating delegation with the United States, added that Spain's victory 'brought joy not only to the hearts of the Spanish people, but also to the hearts of many free, independent and justice-loving nations in the world.'

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said: 'The actions of the Spanish national team and Spain's stance in general over the past months in opposing aggression, genocide and injustice were a valuable position.'

Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the second time in its history after 2010, after stripping Argentina of the title by beating them 1-0 after extra time on Sunday in the American city of New Jersey.