Tehran Offers Madrid A "Golden Ticket" Through Strait of Hormuz
Against the backdrop of rising tensions with the U.S. and a prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s ambassador to Spain has issued a rare statement signaling a diplomatic shift between Tehran and Madrid.
The Iranian ambassador to Spain clarified today (Sunday) that his country is prepared to favorably consider requests from Spain to allow its ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been under Iranian closure in recent weeks.
Key points from the ambassador's statement:
This diplomatic warming follows a decision by the socialist government of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to block the United States from using joint military bases on Spanish soil for strikes against Iran.
The Iranian Response:
The Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, published images of Iranian missiles ready for launch featuring stickers of Sánchez's face. The stickers included a quote from the Prime Minister in Persian and English:
"Of course, this war is not only illegal but also inhumane. Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister."
Spain's refusal to cooperate has sparked outrage in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump reacted sharply, announcing a major shift in economic policy.
He instructed the Treasury Secretary to halt all commercial dealings with Spain, saying, "Spain has been terrible. I told the Secretary of the Treasury to stop all dealings with Spain. We are going to stop all trade with them."
Despite the severe economic threats and pressure from the White House, Pedro Sánchez stood by his decision, stating in a televised address: "The position of the Spanish government can be summed up in a few words: No to war."