Overview

• The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has launched an investigation into Spain's reported refusal to allow three cargo ships carrying arms to Israel to dock at its ports.
• Two of the incidents under investigation occurred in November 2024, while the third involved a Danish-flagged ship denied entry in May 2024.
• Spanish Transport Minister Oscar Puente confirmed the May denial, stating the ship was carrying weapons to Israel and emphasizing Spain's stance against contributing to arms flows in the Middle East.
• If Spain is found to have violated trade regulations, it could face fines of up to $2.3 million per voyage and potential restrictions on Spanish ships entering U.S. ports.
• Spain's actions align with its broader policy shift, including freezing arms shipments to Israel and formally recognizing Palestinian statehood earlier this year.