Iran's ambassador again refuses to shake hands with Queen Letizia and her daughters
At the 12 October reception in Madrid's Royal Palace, Ambassador Reza Zabib shook hands with King Felipe VI but not with Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor or Infanta Sofía.
The besamanos, the traditional greeting line at the Royal Palace of Madrid, took place on 12 October 2026 as part of the Spanish National Day (Fiesta Nacional) reception. Iran's ambassador to Spain, Reza Zabib, shook hands with King Felipe VI. Before Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, he joined his hands and slightly bowed his head, with no physical contact. The report describes the gesture as a repeat, with the ambassador again declining to shake the women's hands.
The reception was held for the highest state institutions, regional representatives, business leaders and figures from culture, science and civil society. About a thousand guests attended, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was among the first arrivals.
