Spanish foreign policy towards Iran during the Franco Regime (1939-1975)

Until 1951, Iran and Spain had sporadic but intense bilateral relations in different occasions, especially during the 17th century and early 20th century. After World War II, Franco and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi decided to reestablish direct relations. During the late 40s and early 50s, Iran supported Spain at the United Nations (UN) after a long period of isolation for Franco’s support to Nazi Germany. In 1951, Spain reopened his diplomatic representation in Tehran and soon the connection between both countries increased drastically. In 1957, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi visited Spain, but also different members of the Iranian royal family traveled to the country on several occasions. The bilateral relations were extended in different areas, such as political, economic, and cultural. Juan Carlos de Borbón and his wife Princess Sophia also visited Iran often in official trips (1969, 1971 and 1975) during this period.
This paper will focus on the main events and characteristics of Spain foreign policy towards Iran during the Franco regime, covering topics as official visits, political, cultural, and economic agreements, and with a final analysis of the consequences in the bilateral relations of both countries.