Are the US and Israel Planning to Use Morocco As a Weapon Against Spain?

Key Takeaways

• US lawmakers question Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla.
• Morocco favored as alternative US base if Spain blocks Iran war support.
• Ceuta and Melilla strategic for NATO, Gibraltar Strait, trade routes.
• Morocco’s alliance deepened after 2020 Abraham Accords and Western Sahara support.
• Spain risks diplomatic and economic retaliation amid anti‑Israel stance.

Pulse Analysis

The United States has long relied on Morocco as a stable foothold at the gateway to Africa, a relationship cemented by the 2020 Abraham Accords that normalized ties between Israel and several Arab states. Washington’s recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and subsequent security cooperation have turned Rabat into a trusted partner for American and Israeli strategic interests, especially given its proximity to the Strait of Gibraltar, a chokepoint for European energy and trade flows.

Spain’s refusal to grant U.S. forces access to its bases for operations against Iran, coupled with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, has provoked a rare diplomatic backlash. Recent language in a House Appropriations Committee report explicitly mentions Ceuta and Melilla as “Spanish‑administered” but located on Moroccan territory, hinting that Washington might consider relocating its European assets to Moroccan soil. The enclaves are not only symbolic flashpoints but also host significant NATO infrastructure and serve as logistical bridges between Europe and Africa, making them valuable bargaining chips in any broader geopolitical contest.

If the United States follows through on a Morocco‑centric posture, the ripple effects could reshape the security architecture of the western Mediterranean. Spain could face economic retaliation, reduced U.S. military assistance, and a weakened role within NATO’s southern command. Conversely, Morocco would gain unprecedented leverage, attracting further U.S. investment and deepening its defense industry ties. European allies, particularly the EU, would need to navigate a delicate balance between supporting Spain’s territorial claims and maintaining the broader trans‑Atlantic partnership that underpins regional stability.