Iran has approved the passage of commercial vessels linked to Spain through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been essentially blocked since the outbreak of war on February 28.
The confirmation was made by the Iranian Embassy in Spain in a post on X, where it stated that Spain is ‘committed to international law’ and, as a result, Tehran is ‘receptive to any request coming from Madrid.’
The decision could ease pressure on Spanish-linked shipping routes affected by the closure of one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors since the start of the conflict.
As reported yesterday by the Financial Times, Iran sent a letter on Tuesday to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) saying that ships from countries not involved in the ‘aggression’ led by the US and Israel would have free passage.
According to the letter, ‘non-hostile vessels in coordination with the Iranian authorities’ will be able to transit immediately after the blockade is lifted.
It’s good news for Spain, whose government led by Pedro Sanchez has been critical of the US-Israel invasion from the start.
Sanchez and his ministers have repeatedly classed the war as ‘illegal’, with the prime minister this week saying it is ‘the last thing the world needed.’
Speaking in Congress on Wednesday, Sanchez did not hold back as he tore into the consequences of the conflict, directly criticising both the US and Israel’s actions.
‘The last thing the world needed was another war,’ he told MPs, before issuing a stark warning: ‘We are not facing the same scenario as 2003 – we are facing something much worse, with far greater and deeper consequences.’
In a blistering assessment, Sanchez listed what he sees as the catastrophic fallout of the conflict so far.
‘They have undermined international law, destabilised the Middle East, reignited conflicts in Iraq and Lebanon, buried Gaza under the rubble of indifference, encouraged nuclear programmes in Pakistan and North Korea, brought insecurity to Gulf states, handed Putin more than €8billion to fund his war, worsened energy problems – and in Iran, replaced one hardliner with another potentially even worse,’ he said.
‘In short, this is an absolute disaster.’
The Spanish leader also openly questioned the purpose of the military offensive, taking aim at US leadership under Donald Trump.
‘The question we must all ask is: what is all this destruction for?’ Sanchez said, suggesting there is no clear strategy behind the intervention.
He used the moment to underline a shift in Spain’s role on the world stage, insisting Madrid will no longer follow allies unquestioningly.
‘The Spain that sat quietly in the back seat no longer exists,’ he declared. ‘We now have a voice and a vote and we will use it in the interests of Spain and of humanity.’
Sanchez went further, making clear that Spain will not support what it sees as unlawful military action.
‘This war is a huge mistake, and we will not accept or pay its costs,’ he said. ‘Being an ally does not mean blind obedience.
‘Spain will not be complicit in illegal aggressions or lies disguised as freedom. Not this time – not while I am Prime Minister.’
