JI launches countrywide protests against inflation

Spain has deployed additional security forces to its North African territory of Ceuta after a massive wave of migrants crossed from Morocco, creating one of the largest border crises in the region’s recent history. Ceuta’s President Juan Jesús Vivas said around 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish enclave within 24 hours, while at least 43 people died during the crossing attempts. The sudden influx overwhelmed local authorities and triggered an emergency response from Madrid. Spain’s Interior Ministry gave a lower estimate, saying around 50,000 people had reached Ceuta since early Thursday. Officials said more than 25,000 migrants had already returned voluntarily to Morocco. The crisis intensified after Spain’s Supreme Court ruled that migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to reach Ceuta or Melilla could not be immediately returned to Morocco. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation as an “attack” and promised that those who entered illegally would be sent back as quickly as possible. During a visit to Ceuta, Sánchez said Spain would strengthen border security and accused criminal networks of spreading misleading information about the court ruling to encourage migration attempts. He added that Moroccan authorities were cooperating with plans to return migrants. Spanish authorities have now increased military deployment in Ceuta and Melilla, another Spanish territory in North Africa, after several hundred additional crossings were reported there. Many of those arriving were young men, but women, children and infants were also among the migrants. Officials estimated that around 7,000 minors were part of the latest arrivals. Ceuta, located on Morocco’s northern coast, is one of the European Union’s only land borders with Africa. The territory has long been a major route for migrants seeking entry into Europe and remains a sensitive issue in Spain-Morocco relations. The latest arrivals have caused concern among European leaders. Several governments called for stronger border controls, while EU officials described the scenes in Ceuta as unacceptable and urged an immediate halt to irregular crossings. The last major migration surge in Ceuta occurred in 2021, when thousands crossed the border amid a diplomatic dispute between Spain and Morocco. However, officials said the current movement is far larger and has created an unprecedented challenge for local authorities.

US President Donald Trump has issued a final ultimatum to Iran, stating that Tehran has one last opportunity to negotiate a diplomatic resolution with Washington before facing severe military force, which he referred to as decapitation. Speaking from the Oval Office, the American leader confirmed he had paused planned air strikes following direct requests from Persian Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, who urged Washington to allow diplomacy one final window. The framework for the proposed negotiations relies on a two-stage approach, with the initial phase requiring the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. The subsequent phase will address the complete denuclearisation of Iran, referencing commitments previously outlined in a joint memorandum signed in June. Trump further dismissed any personal domestic political considerations regarding the timeline, emphasising that his decision to delay military action was driven by a desire to prevent widespread loss of life while pursuing a durable diplomatic outcome.

A senior American military commander has warned that the United States could soon struggle to maintain its support for Israel while also protecting its own military interests across the Middle East. The warning reflects increasing concern inside the Pentagon that the ongoing conflict with Iran is placing heavy pressure on US naval forces and missile defence resources. According to reports from The Washington Post and other international media outlets, General Alexus Grynkewich, who leads US European Command, has told Pentagon officials that American naval assets in the region are becoming overstretched. He reportedly said that unless another US Navy destroyer is deployed, military commanders may eventually have to choose between defending American personnel and continuing missile defence operations in support of Israel. His assessment has drawn attention because it comes from one of the senior officers directly responsible for overseeing US military operations rather than from outside analysts. It suggests that the growing demands on American forces are becoming a serious concern at the highest levels of military planning. US Navy destroyers equipped with the Aegis combat system have played a major role in helping defend Israel from Iranian missile attacks. These warships are capable of detecting incoming ballistic missiles and intercepting them using advanced SM-3 and SM-6 missile systems. However, these destroyers are also critical to American security operations around the world. They are needed in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s growing military presence, in Europe to support NATO allies, and across the Middle East to protect US military bases and key shipping routes. Sending more of these ships to one conflict reduces the military’s ability to respond quickly to other global crises. The conflict has also placed significant pressure on America’s stockpile of advanced missile defence systems. Pentagon assessments reported by The Washington Post indicate that US forces have fired more than 200 THAAD interceptors during the fighting with Iran, which is believed to be nearly half of the country’s available inventory. In addition, US Navy ships have launched more than 100 missile interceptors. Although Israel also relied on its own defence systems, including the Arrow and David’s Sling missile shields, American support proved essential during the most intense phases of the missile exchanges. Military experts say the challenge goes beyond the number of missiles used. Advanced interceptors are highly sophisticated weapons that require considerable time and resources to manufacture. Replacing depleted stockpiles cannot happen quickly, raising concerns about America’s ability to sustain long conflicts while remaining prepared for new security threats elsewhere. Defence planners have warned that prolonged military operations could leave the United States with reduced inventories of some of its most important air defence weapons. For many years, US military strategy has been based on the ability to respond to several major conflicts at the same time. The country maintains security commitments across Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, requiring a constant supply of military equipment and personnel. The latest warning from US European Command suggests those assumptions are now being tested as growing global tensions demand the same resources in multiple regions. An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, cited by CNN, estimates that the US has already used a large share of its advanced missile inventory in recent weeks. The report suggests that around half of the country’s THAAD and Patriot interceptors have been consumed, while substantial numbers of Precision Strike Missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, and SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors have also been used. The findings highlight a broader challenge facing the US military. Although it remains one of the world’s strongest armed forces, modern warfare is consuming advanced weapons at a pace that is difficult for defence industries to match. As conflicts continue across different regions, Washington may increasingly face difficult decisions about where to deploy its military resources.