Rabat – Spanish media said Morocco is not pushing for a US base to replace Spain as Washington continues heavy investment at the Naval Station Rota.
La Razon recalled speculation alleging Morocco could be an “alternative location” for a US base.
The report came at the time when Spain denied US permission to use jointly operated military bases on its territory to attack Iran.
“Based on all the information I have, the bases are not being used for this military operation,” Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Spanish public television on Monday. La Razon emphasized how US investments approved by Washington amounts to 400 million confirms the country’s presence at the Naval Station Rota is “permanent and stable.”
“These investments include new berths for destroyers and increased logistical and maintenance capacity,” La Razon said, asserting that any possible relocation of the base poses a “major political and technical challenge.”
The same source quoted “available data” showcasing how Washington is committed to investing in, and expanding, the Rota base due to its importance for projecting US influence in the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East.
Morocco has consistently emphasized that its positions are clear in similar international cases, stressing the principle of non-interference and respect for the sovereignty of nations.
Rabat responded to the situation on Saturday, condemning the recent Iranian missile attacks on several Gulf states.
On Monday, Bourita reiterated Morocco’s position of solidarity and support for Arab countries targeted by Iran.
He reiterated King Mohammed VI’s statements during phone calls he held with leaders of targeted Gulf countries.
During the phone calls on Saturday, the King reaffirmed Morocco’s condemnation of what he described as “abhorrent aggressions” targeting the sovereignty of the brotherly states and the security of their territories.
The monarch also expressed Morocco’s full support for these countries, backing any legitimate measures they deem appropriate to safeguard their security and the safety of their citizens.
The King stressed that the Arab Gulf States’ security is integrally tied to Morocco’s, adding that any harm to their security constitutes a “serious and unacceptable aggression” and a “direct threat to regional stability.”
This is not the first time such rumors were disseminated.
In 2021, several news outlets claimed the US military base in Rota could be moved to Morocco, alleging secret negotiations between US and Moroccan military officials.
The US and Morocco share good diplomatic ties at all levels, including military relations.
In January 2025, the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs compiled data showing that the US has been providing Morocco with security cooperation since the late 1950s.
“The United States has $8.545 billion in active government-to-government sales cases with Morocco under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS_ system),” the State Department quoted the data as saying.
