The Middle East

The Spanish Government has assured us that its commitment to the common defence is beyond doubt after the Pentagon has proposed the withdrawal of Spain from the Atlantic Alliance.

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the news following a meeting with representatives of both countries at the White House and has stressed that he expects the Israeli Prime Minister and the Lebanese President in Washington in the short term. 

A summary, in two words, of what will be news in the Present today.

This week, the Iranian Government has made it clear that it is ready to meet with the United States again, but when the "necessary conditions" are in place. The local authorities have also said that Iran is "prepared" to deal with the attacks.

The Vice-President and Counsellor for Economy, Labour and Employment, Mikel Torres, has stated that if the conflict in Iran persists, it will "probably" affect the Basque industry, such as the one that caused the ERE in Tubos Reunidos or the possible ERTE in Tubacex, since, according to Torres, "the Basque industrial sector is closely linked to this international trade and the energy situation".

A few hours before the end of the truce, President Trump has assumed that Iran will sit at the negotiating table in Islamabad and has confirmed, , that the US delegation is on its way to Islamabad, Pakistan, to resume talks.

A summary, in two words, of what will be news in the Present today.

The conflict between the United States and Iran has escalated again in the early hours of this Monday, affecting the price of oil. Tension has increased in the Strait of Hormuz when the US struck an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman that was trying to overcome the blockade imposed by Washington on Iranian ports.

Tehran denounces an act of "maritime piracy" and responds with drones. Tension and mistrust are growing on the verge of talks for a peace agreement.

"A government that violates international law  — and consequently the principles and values of the European Union — cannot be a partner of the European Union; it is so simple and so simple," Sanchez stressed in a pre-election act in Andalusia.

Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has replied to Trump that he cannot deprive him of his "right" to develop nuclear power.

Tehran warned today that it would close the strait again if the US did not lift the blockade on Iranian ports. US President Donal Trump has also failed to defuse tension and has warned that if he fails to reach an agreement with Iran by Wednesday, he will "start firing bombs again." 

"The imposition of tolls for transit would set a dangerous precedent," said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. On the other hand, in the context of the crisis and convened by France and the United Kingdom, 50 countries and international organizations have met in Paris. They have announced the launch of a "neutral" maritime mission to "assist and protect" ships passing through the Persian Gulf.

Spanish President Pedro Sánchez and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have made it clear that they agree on the current geopolitical moment by saying "no to war." Sánchez has pointed out that the relationship between the two countries goes far beyond bilateral and has stressed that they share the same view of the world.

The Iranian Foreign Minister has made this announcement just after the entry into force of the Israeli-Lebanese Summit. He has indicated that ships must follow a "notified and coordinated" route by the Iranian Port and Maritime Organization.