Strategic Minerals Drive US-Israel Support for Morocco

US and Israeli support for Segarro is driven by interest in the strategic minerals of the Tropic Seamount, located in Spanish Canary Islands waters, rather than Saharan phosphate or Ceuta and Melilla. The withdrawal of MINURSO leaves the area without a UN peacekeeping mission.

Saharan phosphate and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla are the visible aspects of the conflict. What is truly at stake are the strategic minerals hidden beneath the Tropic Seamount, an underwater mountain in Spanish waters off the Canary Islands.

## The Real Value Lies Underwater

The Tropic Seamount accumulates rare minerals of strategic value. This is why, according to part of the debate, the US and Israel support Segarro: they seek control over these resources. Saharan phosphate and the two autonomous cities take a back seat to this interest.

## The Withdrawal of MINURSO

The UN mission in Western Sahara, **MINURSO**, maintained peace in the zone and is now withdrawing. Those with veto power on the Security Council are not reliable allies for Spain, and the **EU** has antagonized **China** and **Russia**. The result is a scenario where Spain lacks clear support.

## Unextracted Uranium and Foreign Dependence

Spain has uranium reserves that remain unextracted. They could supply the country's nuclear power plants and even allow for increased production. This potential, combined with the Tropic Seamount, would make Spain an energy power if the resources were exploited.

## An Unsustainable Blame Game

Some attribute the problem to political parties, accusing them of serving foreign interests. This is an opinion, not a proven fact, and there is no evidence that these foreign interests direct Spanish politics. The accusation of treason is a political assessment, not verifiable data.