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US proposal to Spain in 2002 on territorial dispute with Morocco
In 2002, Washington proposed to Madrid the return of the Zaffarine Islands and other territories to Morocco, according to newly revealed information. Federico Trillo, Spain's former Minister of Defense (2000-2004, Popular Party), disclosed that the United States had offered to mediate between Spain and Morocco regarding the disputed Leila (Perejil) islet, suggesting that Spain cede the Zaffarine Islands and the Al-Hoceima rock to Morocco in exchange for the withdrawal of Moroccan forces from the contested islet.
This disclosure sheds new light on the involvement of the United States in a conflict that nearly escalated into armed confrontation between Spain and Morocco during the summer of 2002. At the time, the US was preparing for the Iraq invasion (2003) and sought to maintain stability around the Strait of Gibraltar. Trillo, a member of José María Aznar's government, revealed that the American administration proposed this territorial exchange to avoid further tensions.
These revelations come as Spain awaits the direction of the new US administration on strategic matters such as the Sahara and Gibraltar. They also highlight the historical stance of Western powers, including the US, France, and the UK, which have often adopted a cautious position on Spain's sovereignty over its northern Moroccan possessions.
Trillo stated that then-US Secretary of State Colin Powell, who had mediated between Rabat and Madrid, informed Morocco about the imminent Spanish military intervention at Leila. Additionally, former French President Jacques Chirac is said to have advised Spain to reconsider not only the question of the Zaffarine Islands and Al-Hoceima rock but also the status of Ceuta and Melilla.
These details reignite discussions on NATO’s position regarding these territories, with Spain seeking to place them under the protection of the Atlantic Alliance, despite the absence of explicit recognition in the foundational NATO treaty.
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