Iran Officially Classes Spain as 'Not Hostile' and Opens Strait of Hormuz to Spanish Ships

Iran's Embassy Makes It Official

Iran has formally confirmed that Spain will be permitted to pass commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz — the vital maritime corridor that has been effectively closed to most Western shipping since war broke out on 28 February.

The confirmation came directly from the Iranian Embassy in Spain, in a post on X, stating that Spain is "committed to international law" and that, as a result, Tehran is "receptive to any request coming from Madrid."

The announcement follows a letter sent by Iran on Tuesday to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), as reported by the Financial Times, in which Tehran stated that ships from countries not involved in the US and Israeli-led military action would be granted 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.

Spain's classification as a "non-hostile" nation is a direct consequence of the position that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has taken since the conflict began — repeatedly condemning the war as illegal, refusing to allow US forces to use Spanish military bases, and positioning Spain as a country that will not follow its allies unquestioningly into military action.

'An Absolute Disaster' — Sanchez's Verdict on the War

Speaking in the Spanish Congress on Wednesday, Sanchez delivered what amounted to the most comprehensive public condemnation of the conflict yet from a Western leader. He began with a stark historical comparison:

"The last thing the world needed was another war. We are not facing the same scenario as 2003 — we are facing something much worse, with far greater and deeper consequences."

He then set out in detail what he sees as the catastrophic consequences already flowing from the conflict:

"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 €8 billion to fund his war, worsened energy problems — and in Iran, replaced one hardliner with another potentially even worse."

His conclusion was unambiguous: "In short, this is an absolute disaster."

'Spain Will Not Be Complicit'

Sanchez used the Congress session to make clear that Spain's foreign policy has fundamentally shifted — and that Madrid will no longer be a passive follower of its larger allies.

"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."

He also directly questioned the strategic purpose of the military action, taking aim at US leadership under President Donald Trump:

"The question we must all ask is: what is all this destruction for?"

And he drew a clear line between alliance and unconditional compliance:

"This war is a huge mistake, and we will not accept or pay its costs. 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."

Spain's €5 Billion Economic Shield

Alongside the diplomatic stance, the Spanish government has approved what Sanchez described as "the largest social and economic shield in the entire EU" in response to the conflict — a €5 billion package of measures designed to protect Spanish households from the economic fallout, including fuel tax cuts.

Sanchez framed the economic package in direct terms: "Every bomb that falls in the Middle East ends up hitting the wallets of our families."

The Strait of Hormuz: What Spain's Exemption Means

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints — around 20% of global oil supplies pass through it. Iran's decision to close the Strait to shipping from the United States, Israel, and nations seen as supporting the military action has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and supply chains since late February.

Spain's exemption — confirmed now at the diplomatic level through the Iranian Embassy's statement — provides a degree of insulation for Spanish-linked shipping and trade. Whether the exemption holds, and how the broader conflict develops, remains deeply uncertain. But for now, Spain's refusal to align itself with the military intervention has produced a concrete and tangible benefit.

This article is based on reporting from The Spanish Eye, published March 26, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only.