Panama’s Foreign Minister Criticizes Iran’s Actions in Strait of Hormuz
On Sunday, Panama’s Foreign Minister, Javier Martínez Acha, expressed strong disapproval of Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He accused the Iranian regime of leveraging the vital waterway as a geopolitical tool amid ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel.
Speaking with the Spanish news agency EFE after an official visit to Asunción, Paraguay, Martínez Acha emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz needs to remain open for safe navigation for all vessels and pointed out that using international trade routes for political leverage carries significant consequences beyond just regional implications.
He stated, “We believe that a durable solution can be achieved under conditions that ensure security for all involved. The Strait of Hormuz must always remain accessible for the safe passage of all ships, and we will not stand for its exploitation for geopolitical aims.”
Martínez Acha also highlighted that, while the current conflict in the Middle East is pushing global energy prices higher, Panama itself is insulated from shortages due to its fuel imports coming directly from the United States.
The foreign minister noted that the administration of conservative President José Raúl Mulino has implemented partial fuel subsidies to alleviate pressures on local consumers. Even so, he acknowledged that rising international costs are impacting the broader national economy.
He remarked, “The effects of this conflict extend globally to energy prices, no matter the source of the fuel.”
Last week, Martínez Acha visited Paraguay to engage with local officials and business leaders, aiming to enhance trade, logistics, and cooperation between the two nations. His visit was timely, as Panama has faced disruptions in international trade due to the Chinese government’s recent arbitrary seizures and inspections of Panamanian-flagged vessels as a response to a ruling by Panama’s Supreme Court. Controversially, the Panama Ports Company, a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, has had control over two major ports in Panama for decades.
Following discussions with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez, both ministers denounced China’s retaliatory actions against Panamanian ships, calling for the respect of Panama’s legal sovereignty.
According to EFE, an unnamed Panama government official noted that three out of four Panamanian-flagged vessels in China have experienced retaliatory measures, leading to delays in trade logistics, though no vessels were ultimately seized. The Foreign Minister shared hopes of restoring bilateral trade relations with China.
Martínez Acha mentioned that while Chinese authorities have yet to officially notify Panama regarding the seizures, the country is aware of the situation through its communication channels.
“What worries us is the increasing number of detentions. It may indicate a strategy of political pressure,” he said, expressing hopes for a resolution that allows Panama to build reciprocal relations with China.
Moreover, he took the opportunity to underscore Panama’s strategic importance in global trade, mentioning its associate membership in the Mercosur Regional Trade Area and its logistical strengths.
“The Panama Canal, along with its port network and aviation hubs, has positioned the country as a crucial center for global supply chains, underscoring our interest in maintaining stability in maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz,” a local newspaper reported.
