The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has reportedly asked a broad group of military analysts to suggest “new creative and unconventional ways” to increase pressure on Iran, according to a media report. The unusual request, made through an internal email, reflects an effort to reassess Washington’s strategy as military operations continue without a breakthrough.

According to the report, an officer in CENTCOM’s intelligence branch initiated the brainstorming exercise last week, seeking fresh ideas from across the command on how to deal with Iran. Officials cited by the media described the crowdsourcing-style email as an uncommon approach within the US military.

Why CENTCOM is seeking new ideas

The report said the initiative comes as President Donald Trump faces limited and increasingly difficult options to push Iran towards an agreement on US terms. A source familiar with the discussions said CENTCOM is reviewing every possible option while acknowledging that its current strategy requires reassessment.

Responding to the report, CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Timothy Hawkins said the command has a long history of encouraging innovative thinking. He added that Admiral Cooper regularly seeks ideas from personnel across different ranks to improve operational performance.

Email came before Trump’s reported strike decision

The internal email was reportedly sent before Trump last week considered authorising new strikes on Iran. However, according to the report, those plans were dropped after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud urged the US president during a phone call to pursue de-escalation.

The United States has been carrying out air strikes against Iran for weeks with the stated aim of weakening Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and encouraging the country to return to negotiations. Despite the campaign, the report noted there has been no indication of a diplomatic breakthrough.

Military options remain limited

The report said US military planners have continued preparing options targeting Pickaxe Mountain and other Iranian sites believed to house nuclear-related material or equipment. However, sources familiar with the planning reportedly believe even America’s most powerful conventional weapons may not be sufficient because the facilities are located deep underground.

According to the report, destroying such sites could require a ground operation, a step Trump has been unwilling to approve because of the significant military risks involved.

The report also stated that at least 18 US service members have been killed during the fighting in the Middle East.

Trump reportedly looking for a symbolic outcome

With no decisive military victory in sight, Trump has reportedly lowered expectations and is considering limited strikes that could provide a symbolic success while allowing the United States to end the conflict, according to sources quoted in the report.

Such an approach would move away from one of the administration’s original objectives of eliminating Iran’s nuclear programme and would not necessarily resolve tensions over the Strait of Hormuz.

One source familiar with the planning discussions was quoted as saying that the US president ultimately wants a negotiated agreement and is continuing to explore ways to increase pressure while avoiding a prolonged conflict.

The report also noted that earlier assessments by both the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) concluded that the current bombing campaign is unlikely to significantly change Iran’s negotiating position. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine has also publicly acknowledged that air power alone is unlikely to achieve all of the administration’s stated objectives.

India continued its impressive campaign at the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Day 10, creating history in boxing as Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary added two more gold medals to the country’s tally. With four boxing gold medals already secured, India achieved its best-ever boxing performance in a single edition of the Commonwealth Games.

Priya Ghanghas defeated Canada’s Marie Al-Ahmadieh by a 4-1 split verdict in the women’s 60kg final. After conceding the opening round, the Indian boxer fought back strongly to win the next two rounds and seal the gold medal.

Earlier, Sakshi Chaudhary produced a commanding display to defeat England’s Ruby White by unanimous decision in the women’s 51kg final, earning India’s third boxing gold of the Games.

Four boxing champions script history

Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary joined Preeti Pawar and Jaismine Lamboria on the list of Indian boxing gold medallists at the Glasgow Games.

According to the live updates, India’s four boxing gold medals are the most the country has won in the sport at any edition of the Commonwealth Games.

The boxing campaign is still not over, with five more Indian boxers scheduled to compete in gold medal bouts later on Day 10.

India’s medal tally rises to 32

India’s medal tally climbed to 32 medals, comprising 10 gold, 15 silver and seven bronze.

Apart from boxing, India also celebrated a one-two finish in the men’s F57 shot put event. Soman Rana clinched the gold medal with a throw of 13.40 metres, while Shubham Juyal secured silver with 13.28 metres.

In athletics, Praveen Chithravel claimed silver in the men’s triple jump, while Selva Prabhu Thirumaran won bronze.

Judoka Unnati Sharma also added a bronze medal after defeating South Africa’s Skye Knoester by Ippon in the women’s -63kg event.

India eye more medals on Day 10

India’s medal tally could grow further as several athletes remain in contention later on Day 10.

Boxers Arundhati Choudhary, Lovlina Borgohain, Sachin Siwach, Ankush Panghal and Narender Berwal are all scheduled to compete in their respective finals. Harsh Tokas is also set to fight for bronze in the men’s -81kg judo event, while Indian athletes will feature in the men’s pole vault, men’s 5000m and mixed 4x400m relay finals.

At least 34 migrants have died while attempting to cross from Morocco into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, as Spain faces one of its biggest border challenges in recent years.

According to Ceuta regional president Juan Jesus Vivas, around 60,000 migrants entered the Spanish territory from Morocco within the past 24 hours. The situation has escalated rapidly since Thursday, with security personnel confronting large groups attempting to enter the enclave.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez travelled to Ceuta on Friday, where he condemned the breach of the border and described the incident as a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity.

Sanchez blamed human smuggling networks for encouraging dangerous migration attempts, saying traffickers exploit vulnerable people and put their lives at risk.

Spain says many migrants have already returned

Spain’s Interior Ministry said nearly half of those who crossed into Ceuta have already returned to Morocco. The ministry also released footage showing people walking back through a border gate separating the two territories.

To strengthen border security, the Spanish government has deployed additional troops, police personnel, divers, drones and boats in and around Ceuta.

Videos circulating on Thursday showed thousands of migrants crossing into the Spanish enclave, highlighting the scale of the sudden influx.

Crisis sparks diplomatic tensions across Europe

The large-scale movement of migrants has triggered diplomatic reactions across Europe. Germany, Italy and Finland criticised the situation, while France tightened border checks with Spain.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the scenes in Ceuta as unacceptable in a social media post, stressing that entry into the European Union must comply with established rules.

An EU official later said there was no evidence of migrants moving onward from Ceuta into mainland Europe.

Italy also called for Spain to be suspended from the Schengen free-travel area, with Finland and Denmark expressing support for the proposal. France and the United Kingdom said they were ready to assist Spain in managing the crisis.

Donald Trump comments on Ceuta crisis

US President Donald Trump also reacted to the developments, using the situation to criticise the Democratic Party’s immigration policies.

According to Fox News, Trump said the United States could face a similar situation if Democrats return to power, using the events in Ceuta as a warning about border security.