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Relationship dossier

Iran Panama

Relationship assessment

Maritime enforcement and a 2023 tanker seizure have strained limited bilateral ties

Iran toward Panama

-15

In May 2023, Iranian forces seized the Panama-flagged tanker Niovi in the Strait of Hormuz. The action affected a vessel registered by Panama and contributed to maritime tensions, although it was not an explicit bilateral dispute with the Panamanian government.

Panama toward Iran

-15

Panama removed Iran-linked vessels from its shipping registry in 2019 amid enforcement concerns related to sanctions. This registry action constrained the use of Panama’s flag by vessels connected to Iran.

Overall relationship

-10

The relationship has limited evidence of substantive cooperation, while maritime enforcement and the seizure of a Panama-flagged tanker provide concrete sources of friction. The broader institutional and diplomatic relationship 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

Relations have been affected by maritime disputes and Panama’s enforcement of its shipping registry rules against Iran-linked vessels. In 2023, Iranian forces seized a Panama-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The scope of broader bilateral cooperation is unclear.

Areas of tension

Key developments

Major uncertainties

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