The United States was preparing a major investment conference on Spain’s critical minerals but retracted after Madrid refused to support the American military operation against Iran, according press reports.
Spain has refused to allow the U.S. to use the jointly run bases at Morón and Rotafor in the war against Iran, distancing itself from the more supportive stances taken by other European nations like France, Germany, and the UK.
A group of leading American investors were expected to meet with Spanish officials to discuss investment opportunities offered in Spain’s mineral raw materials essential for the digital and energy transition, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths.
However, the Americans stepped back after Spain denied the U.S. access
to the two jointly operated military bases in Andalusia, southern Spain, triggering a diplomatic rift with Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a full trade embargo on Spain. He also accused Spain of being a “terrible partner” in NATO for failing to increase its defence budget in line with a target of 5% of economic output (GDP).
In an interview with Fox News, influential Republican senator Lindsey Graham urged Trump to move all U.S. bases out of Spain. “To our friends in Spain: Man, you have lost your way,” Graham said. “I don’t want to do business with you anymore. I want our air bases out of Spain and to a country that will let us use them”, he added.
Graham’s comments have stirred fresh fears in Spain over possible transfer of U.S. military bases to Morocco in retaliation against Madrid as the North African Kingdom is viewed as a reliable and strategic partner of the United States.
On Monday, U.S. Ambassador to Rabat Duke Buchan conferred with Moroccan minister of Industry & Commerce Ryad Mezzour on ways of strengthening further industrial, economic and trade cooperation. They also discussed new partnership opportunities.
The US-Morocco talks have attracted the attention of some experts in Spain concerned over the negative fallout of the strained relations between Madrid and Washington.
