Iran grants one EU country free pass for Strait of Hormuz after it humiliated Trump

Pedro Sanchez and US President Donald Trump (Image: GETTY)

Iran has granted Spanish-flagged vessels unrestricted, free passage through the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of appreciation for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s vocal criticism of the US. In a move guaranteed to irk US President Donald Trump, Tehran is now facilitating maritime access for a key NATO ally while blockading others.

An Iranian source told state-aligned digital channels: “Iran allows the Kingdom of Spain to use the Strait of Hormuz with complete freedom without restrictions or barriers that impede the maritime navigation of Spanish ships and tankers.” This special treatment stands in sharp contrast to Iran’s effective closure of the waterway to shipping from the United States, Israel, and other nations perceived as supporting attacks on Iranian territory.

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The move is widely seen as reciprocal thanks for the strong anti-war stance of Mr Sanchez. The Spanish leader has repeatedly described the conflict as not only “illegal” but also “inhumane”. In one widely reported remark, Mr Sanchez warned: “This is how humanity’s great disasters start … You cannot play Russian roulette with the destiny of millions.”

He drew parallels with the Iraq war, citing its legacy of increased jihadist terrorism and soaring energy prices, and argued that the consequences of military action against Iran remain dangerously unpredictable.

Further reports suggest Iran expressed its gratitude symbolically by affixing stickers bearing the anti-war message of Mr Sanchez to ballistic missiles fired towards Israel. The message, printed in English and Farsi, reportedly read: “Of course this war is not only illegal it is inhumane,” and concluded with thanks to the Spanish prime minister.

The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region following US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which prompted Tehran to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran has allowed limited passage for some non-aligned vessels, often reportedly at a cost, Spanish ships and tankers are said to face no such barriers or payments.

The position of Mr Sanchez has drawn sharp criticism from Washington. President Trump labelled Spain a “loser” and indicated that the United States would not treat Madrid as a reliable partner, accusing it of being hostile to NATO interests in the context of the Iran conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for global energy markets, and any sustained disruption risks driving up oil prices and triggering broader economic fallout. Spain’s privileged access could provide Madrid with a strategic advantage in maintaining energy supplies and potentially facilitating transshipment, although officials in Madrid have not yet issued a formal comment on the Iranian announcement.

According to a Majorca-based newspaper, the gesture underscores the unusual diplomatic dynamics emerging from the conflict, where public criticism of the US-Israeli campaign has translated into tangible maritime benefits for one EU member state. Mr Sanchez has also recently called for the reopening of the waterway and the protection of energy infrastructure across the Middle East, positioning Spain as a voice for de-escalation while maintaining its critical stance.

The arrangement highlights deepening divisions within the EU and NATO over the Iran war, with the approach of Mr Sanchez contrasting with more supportive positions taken by other allies. As shipping patterns adjust to the restrictions, analysts warn that selective access could reshape trade routes and energy security considerations in the months ahead.