Can Spain Use the Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran War? Madrid’s Neutrality May Offer Strategic Advantage
As tensions escalate in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of a global energy crisis, Spain has emerged in a unique and somewhat unexpected position. Reports suggest that Iranian authorities may be allowing Spanish-linked vessels to pass through the strategically vital waterway—potentially due to Madrid’s stance on the ongoing Iran war.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to global markets, carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and a significant share of liquefied natural gas. Since the outbreak of the conflict, disruptions in this passage have sent shockwaves across global markets, driving up fuel prices and creating widespread economic uncertainty for import-dependent nations.
Iran, which effectively controls access to the strait, has shifted from a complete blockade to what analysts describe as a “selective restriction” strategy. Instead of closing the waterway entirely, Tehran is reportedly allowing passage only to vessels from countries it does not consider hostile. This approach allows Iran to maintain pressure on adversaries while avoiding a full-scale shutdown that could provoke international retaliation.
In this context, Spain appears to have gained a potential advantage. According to reports and statements from Iranian officials, ships linked to Spain could be granted transit through the strait. The Iranian Embassy in Madrid has indicated that Spain is viewed as a country that respects international law, which may influence Tehran’s willingness to permit its vessels safe passage. This assessment stands in contrast to Iran’s stance toward countries it considers directly aligned with US military operations.
However, Spanish authorities have responded cautiously. The country’s Foreign Ministry has stated that it has no official confirmation of any such preferential treatment. Despite this, the possibility has drawn attention due to Spain’s distinct position within Europe regarding the conflict. Madrid is carefully navigating its response to avoid inflaming tensions with either side.
Unlike several Western allies, Spain has openly opposed the US-led military campaign against Iran. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has criticised the intervention as unlawful and has refused to allow US forces to use Spanish bases for operations linked to the war. This stance has created tensions with Washington but has also positioned Spain as a relatively neutral actor in the conflict—a distinction that may now be yielding practical benefits.
Analysts believe that this neutrality could be the reason behind Iran’s apparent openness towards Spanish shipping. Tehran has made it clear that only “non-hostile” nations may benefit from access to the strait, turning a critical trade route into a geopolitical tool. By granting passage to select countries, Iran can reward diplomatic restraint while punishing those it views as adversaries.
The situation highlights how the Strait of Hormuz has become more than just an energy chokepoint—it is now a powerful instrument of political leverage. By controlling which countries can access the passage, Iran is effectively shaping global trade flows and rewarding or penalising nations based on their political alignment. This marks a significant escalation in the use of economic warfare tactics.
Despite the potential benefits, Spain’s position is not without risks. Being seen as favoured by Iran could complicate Madrid’s relationships with its NATO allies and the European Union, many of whom have taken a more aligned stance with the United States. It also raises concerns about the safety and predictability of shipping routes, as access to the strait remains uncertain and subject to rapid changes based on political developments.
Moreover, Spain’s actual reliance on the Strait of Hormuz is relatively limited compared to major energy importers. The country has a smaller merchant fleet and diversified energy sources, which may reduce the immediate impact of disruptions. Nevertheless, global price fluctuations caused by instability in the strait still affect Spain’s economy, as they do for most countries, particularly through higher fuel and transportation costs.
The broader crisis continues to underline the vulnerability of global energy supply chains. With oil prices surging and trade routes under threat, countries are being forced to reassess their diplomatic and economic strategies. The situation demonstrates how geopolitical alignments can have direct consequences for energy security.
For Spain, its opposition to the war may have unintentionally created a narrow window of opportunity in the midst of a global crisis. Whether this translates into tangible economic or strategic gains remains uncertain, especially as the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve rapidly. Any long-term benefits will depend on how the conflict unfolds and whether Spain’s neutral stance holds.
Also Read: Major Crackdown: EU Targets Snapchat in Formal Probe Under Digital Services Act
Ultimately, the developments surrounding Spain and the Strait of Hormuz illustrate how geopolitical positions can directly influence access to critical resources. In a conflict where energy routes are weaponised, diplomacy has become just as important as military power in determining who gets to keep global trade moving. For now, Spain’s approach offers a case study in how non-alignment can yield unexpected dividends in times of crisis.
