Relations between Spain and the United States are currently strained, primarily due to the confrontational stance taken by Pedro Sánchez's government against the Trump administration. This discord is manifesting across various domains, including economic and geopolitical arenas.
The geopolitical implications of this discord are significant, particularly in light of the Spanish government's recent condemnation of Israel—traditionally a close ally of the U.S.—and its refusal to engage in military interventions in Iran. Furthermore, the government’s decision to abstain from allocating 5% of its GDP towards defense spending has repeatedly infuriated the sitting U.S. president.
This contentious relationship has now permeated the legislative branch. Recently, the House Appropriations Committee released a report on national security expenditures that not only details U.S. financial commitments to Morocco but also includes historical claims regarding the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla. The report, authored by Cuban-American Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, explicitly states, "The committee warns that the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, administered by Spain, are located on Moroccan territory and remain subject to Morocco's claims." This assertion underscores a growing inclination within U.S. politics that aligns with Moroccan annexationist perspectives.
Moreover, the report encourages Secretary of State Marco Rubio to foster a diplomatic agreement between Morocco and Spain concerning the future status of Ceuta and Melilla, suggesting dissatisfaction with the current status of these autonomous cities. The document, which has gained attention following its publication on the U.S. Congress website and initial coverage by El Confidencial, reveals that the U.S. allocates at least $40 million annually to Morocco to safeguard its interests under the National Security Investment Programs and the Foreign Military Financing Program.
In a separate development, Israel's chargé d'affaires in Spain recently dismissed claims that the Israeli state is considering supporting Morocco's annexationist aspirations regarding these autonomous cities, despite some speculation within the Israeli media. "This is not something we are contemplating in Israel, as it is not relevant at a time when our lives are being threatened by our enemies," stated Erlich.
On the other hand, Pedro Sánchez has consistently affirmed Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. He reiterated this stance publicly during a 2022 session of the Congress of Deputies, declaring, "Ceuta and Melilla are Spain, period." Since assuming office, Sánchez has made multiple visits to these autonomous cities, with his latest trip to Ceuta occurring in November to oversee developments at the new maritime terminal.
The U.S. House Committee’s report also references the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the U.S. and Morocco, signed in 1786, shortly after the declaration of American independence, which is now celebrating its 250th anniversary.
To provide some historical context, Ceuta has been a contested territory for over two millennia and became Spanish when Portugal, which had controlled it for 250 years, recognized Spanish sovereignty in 1668. Subsequent disputes with the Sultan of Morocco led to various sieges throughout the centuries. Melilla was incorporated into Spain in 1497 under Pedro de Estopiñán, but it also faced numerous attacks from Moroccan forces in the following centuries. The Spanish victory in the Africa War (1859-1860) ultimately led to the signing of the Treaty of Wad-Ras in 1860 between Queen Isabella II and Sultan Mohammed IV, which granted perpetual territorial expansion for Ceuta and Melilla.
As reported by vozpopuli.com.
