In the United States, Spain's "sovereignty" over Ceuta and Melilla is once again being challenged. Following statements by Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon advisor, it is now Republican Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, an ally of Marco Rubio, who is criticizing Spain. Mario Díaz-Balart and Marco Rubio / Archive - DR ‹ › In a move that has ruffled feathers in the Spanish government and among right-wing opposition parties, an American official has voiced support for Morocco's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla. During an interview with a media outlet known for its ties to conservative circles in Spain, Mario Díaz-Balart stated, «Ceuta and Melilla are not situated on Spanish territory but rather on Moroccan soil», emphasizing that «relations between Morocco and the United States have been longstanding and very positive». This declaration comes at a time of escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, particularly over the conflict in Iran. Just last week, Madrid took the step of closing its airspace to American planes involved in military operations against Iran. Díaz-Balart didn't shy away from highlighting these strained relations, even hinting at potential American reprisals against Spain. «It is not surprising that President Trump is exploring alternatives, as it is unfortunate that he risks the alliance between the United States and Spain», he remarked. He referred to the American military bases in Rota and Morón, remnants of the Franco era, which provide substantial economic benefits to these areas, as noted by the Iberian media. Is NATO's future in jeopardy? The People's Party, Spain's main opposition, along with Vox, has already sounded the alarm over such developments. Furthermore, Donald Trump recently stoked fears by suggesting a possible U.S. withdrawal from NATO. «I have never been convinced by NATO. I have always known it was a paper tiger», the American president declared on Wednesday, April 1st, in a brief interview with a British newspaper, hinting at a serious reconsideration of the U.S. commitment to the Atlantic Alliance. Amidst these tensions, Díaz-Balart criticized, «Mr. Sánchez seems to prioritize relations with the dictators of Iran, Cuba, and Venezuela over those with the United States». A staunch ally of Morocco, this Cuban-American Republican has previously backed a bill, introduced in June 2025 by representatives Joe Wilson and Jimmy Panetta, to designate the Polisario Front as a foreign terrorist organization. He is also a member of the Congressional Morocco Caucus, a group in the U.S. Congress that advocates for Moroccan interests. Mario Díaz-Balart chairs the State Department, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee and is active in the Defense Subcommittee. In April 2025, he held discussions in Washington with Morocco's Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita. As a reminder, Michael Rubin, a former Pentagon advisor, urged King Mohammed VI to organize «a new march to reclaim Ceuta and Melilla», arguing that the two cities are not under NATO's protective umbrella.
