Iran is open to Spain's request for transit through Hormuz
The Iranian Embassy in Spain announced 'on Thursday' that Iran would accept any request made by Madrid in relation to the Strait of Hormuz, because Spain "respects" international law. This is the first time such a concession has been offered to a member state of the EU.
Spain, with a relatively small fleet of merchant ships, was one of the first nations to denounce the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran as reckless and illegal.
"BREAKING NEWS: Iran considers Spain a ?country committed to international law, so it shows receptiveness to any request coming from Madrid.#StraitofHormuz," ?the Iranian embassy's post on X said.
This post is in response to a note that was sent by Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, stating "non-hostile ships" could cross the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinated their movements with the Iranian authorities.
The war on Iran has caused a disruption in oil supplies by stopping the flow of about one-fifth the world's oil and liquefied gas through the Strait.
After diplomatic coordination, a Thai oil tanker safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Malaysia's Prime Minister said on Thursday that Malaysian vessels would also be allowed to pass, indicating that restrictions are?loosening up for some countries after diplomatic negotiations.
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, suggested that Iran allow 10 oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz as a?goodwill gesture for negotiations'. This included some Pakistani flagged vessels.
The fleet of merchant ships flying the Spanish flag reached its lowest level for two decades last year. According to the latest report by the Spanish Shipowners' Association, the fleet consists of 91 vessels. Of these, six are oil tankers, and thirteen are gas carriers.
Most of the 205 merchant vessels owned by Spanish shipowners are flying foreign flags.
The Spanish government didn't respond to our request for comment. Reporting by Victoria Waldersee; Additional reporting by Corina Rodrguez; Writing by Emma Pinedo, Editing by Aislinn laing and Alison Williams
(source: Reuters)
