Trump settles scores with Sanchez: "The Spanish government refuses to defend its sovereignty"

According to a report in "Politico", the United States attempted on Thursday to dispel concerns that it is questioning Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, while simultaneously criticizing the government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for its "refusal" to defend the North African enclaves from an "invasion of migrants."

As recalled, tens of thousands of migrants flowed from Morocco to Ceuta last week, a wave that heightened fears in Spain regarding the vulnerability of these North African cities to hybrid attacks.

Against the backdrop of the crisis, politicians and media outlets in Spain expressed concern over the warming relations between Morocco—which claims sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla—and US President Donald Trump, who was reportedly angered by the socialist Sanchez's refusal to support actions against Iran.

Many sources in Madrid fear that Washington might refrain from restraining Rabat, pointing to a recent US Congressional report that described Ceuta and Melilla as being on "Moroccan territory" and expressed support for negotiations on the "future status" of the cities.

However, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott insisted that there has been no change in American policy regarding the enclaves:

"The United States unequivocally supports Spain's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla."

The State Department emphasized that the Congressional report does not represent the official policy of the United States.

Pigott stated that claims Washington is questioning Spain's continued control of the cities were spread by "malicious actors who seek to divert attention from the Spanish government's shameful refusal to protect its citizens from the invasion of migrants into its territory in Ceuta."

He further claimed that the Spanish government is solely responsible for the crisis, during which 72,000 migrants entered the enclave last week without authorization:

"The invasion of tens of thousands of migrants into Ceuta is a direct result of the Spanish government's refusal to defend its sovereignty, secure its borders, and protect its citizens."

The crisis in Ceuta initially sparked criticism from European Union leaders, including Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, who claimed Spain had "failed completely in protecting the external border." While EU countries have since praised Madrid's handling of the situation, Pigott called on Spain on Thursday to take all necessary steps to remove illegal migrants and regain control of its borders.

"Mass, unlimited migration into Ceuta endangers the Spanish people and threatens the security of Europe," he said. "The State Department stands with the Spanish people and all Europeans in defending their sovereignty and welcomes any effort to repel the invasion, remove illegal migrants from European territory, and secure the continent's borders."