On August 3, 2025, US President Donald Trump reiterated Washington's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, as stated in his congratulatory message to King Mohammed VI on the occasion of Throne Day, published by MAP Agency on August 2.
"I reaffirm that the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and supports Morocco's serious, credible, and realistic autonomy plan as the only basis for a fair and lasting resolution of the dispute," Trump highlighted in his address.
The US President emphasized the importance of a strategic partnership with Rabat.
"The United States highly values the strong and enduring relationship with Morocco. Together, we advance shared priorities in peace and security, including the development of the Abraham Accords, combating terrorism, and expanding trade cooperation," he added.
In April, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara during talks with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, stressing that Washington continues to view Moroccan autonomy as the only realistic solution to the conflict.
Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony on Africa's western coast, gained independence in 1975. Since 1976, it has been the partially recognized Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), led by the Polisario Front and supported by Algeria, which waged a long-standing war against Morocco and Mauritania over its territory.
Mauritania withdrew from the conflict in 1979. In 1991, Morocco and the Polisario Front agreed on a ceasefire with the condition of holding a referendum on Western Sahara's independence, mediated by the United Nations. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established in May 1991 to enable the people of Western Sahara to choose freely between integration with Morocco and independence. However, due to various reasons, the referendum has yet to take place.
