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Relationship dossier

Gibraltar Iran

Relationship assessment

Gibraltar’s external relations are shaped by the United Kingdom; a 2019 tanker seizure prompted Iranian objections.

Gibraltar toward Iran

-15

In 2019, Gibraltar authorities detained the Iranian-flagged tanker Grace 1 under sanctions-related legal authority. The vessel was later released after assurances concerning its destination.

Iran toward Gibraltar

-10

Iran objected to Gibraltar’s 2019 detention of the tanker Grace 1 and sought its release.

Overall relationship

-10

Gibraltar’s lack of an independent foreign policy means its external relations are substantially shaped by the United Kingdom. The 2019 detention and subsequent release of Grace 1, alongside Iran’s objections, form the principal known bilateral episode; the relationship’s broader scope is unclear.

How to read these scores

Scores are rough judgments, not objective measurements or current verification. Directional scores describe government policy and conduct, not public opinion. The overall score is an independent estimate, never an average.

−100
Extreme sustained hostility
−50
Substantially adversarial
0
Mixed or neutral, supported by knowledge
+50
Substantially cooperative
+100
Exceptionally close sustained partnership

“Not assessed” means there is no recorded score. Pair existence makes no claim about diplomatic recognition or established relations.

Relationship context

Knowledge coverageLimited

Overview

Gibraltar has no independent foreign policy, and its external relations are substantially shaped by the United Kingdom. In 2019, Gibraltar authorities detained the Iranian-flagged tanker Grace 1 under sanctions-related legal authority; the vessel was later released after assurances about its destination. Iran objected to the detention and sought the vessel’s release. These events provide a limited basis for assessing the relationship.

Areas of tension

Key developments

Major uncertainties

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