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Iran: US ramps up military presence as tensions rise

The deployment of a US aircraft carrier strike group and fighter jets to West Asia has intensified speculation over possible military action against Iran.

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The United States has stepped up its military positions around Iran, deploying an aircraft carrier strike group, fighter jets, and missile defence systems to West Asia, amid heightened tensions following violent crackdowns on nationwide protests inside Iran.

US officials said the strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers and an attack submarine, is expected to enter the Arabian Sea or the Persian Gulf region in the coming days. The deployment marks a sharp escalation in pressure on Tehran, with Washington citing concerns over civilian deaths during protests triggered by Iran’s worsening economic crisis.

The carrier group was last publicly tracked in the Indian Ocean after being redirected from the South China Sea. Its current location is no longer visible on open-source maritime tracking systems.

Fighter jets and missile defences moved to region

Alongside naval deployments, F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets have already arrived at an undisclosed base in West Asia. US Central Command shared visuals of one such aircraft landing earlier this week. The jets are part of a broader redeployment that includes KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft, allowing combat planes to extend their operational range.

Additional missile defence systems, including THAAD and Patriot batteries, have also been positioned across the region, particularly in US-allied countries such as Israel and Qatar, according to media reports.

Protests and human rights concerns

The military build-up comes against the backdrop of prolonged unrest in Iran, where demonstrations over economic hardship escalated into nationwide protests late last year. Iranian state-linked outlets have reported more than 3,000 deaths, including civilians and security personnel, while rights groups estimate the toll could be significantly higher.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of military consequences, claiming American pressure forced Iran to halt planned executions of protesters. He reiterated this claim earlier this week, stating that hundreds of executions were cancelled following US threats. However, his remarks have since softened, reflecting a pattern of combining military pressure with diplomatic signalling.

Iranian leaders, meanwhile, have accused the US and Israel of instigating unrest as retaliation for earlier military strikes on nuclear facilities. Tehran has warned it is prepared to respond to any further aggression.

Nuclear concerns resurface

Adding to the uncertainty is the unresolved issue of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Around 400 kilograms of enriched material — enough for multiple nuclear weapons — remains unaccounted for following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025.

Iran is expected to report to the International Atomic Energy Agency on the status of nuclear material at affected facilities, including the Fordow site. However, inspections have not taken place for several months, despite agency guidelines recommending regular monitoring.

Trump has stated that the US would act if Iran resumes its nuclear programme, reinforcing concerns that military options remain on the table.

What action could look like

Military observers say any US response is likely to begin with limited, targeted strikes aimed at deterrence rather than full-scale conflict. Such actions typically focus on missile launch sites, drone infrastructure, and command networks, often paired with diplomatic channels to prevent escalation.

While a direct strike on nuclear facilities cannot be ruled out, analysts caution that retaliation from Iran could draw the US and its allies into a wider regional conflict.

Iran’s response options

Iran is expected to avoid direct confrontation, instead relying on calibrated responses through aligned regional groups, cyber operations, or maritime pressure. Past actions suggest Tehran prefers visible but limited retaliation to signal resolve without triggering all-out war.

One of Iran’s most significant leverage points remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies. Even limited disruption in the area could raise energy prices and intensify international pressure on Washington.

Israel on high alert

Israel has placed its air defence systems on alert amid the unfolding situation. If the US proceeds with military action, Israel is likely to become a secondary target due to its close alliance with Washington.

While Israel possesses advanced multi-layered air defence capabilities, joining a US-led strike is considered unlikely, as it remains engaged on other fronts and faces the risk of a broader regional escalation.

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Priya Ghanghas, Sakshi Chaudhary script history as India win four boxing golds at Commonwealth Games 2026

Priya Ghanghas and Sakshi Chaudhary powered India to a record four boxing gold medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026, taking the country’s medal tally to 32.

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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.

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Spain’s Ceuta migrant crisis: 34 dead as 60,000 cross from Morocco in 24 hours

At least 34 migrants have died and around 60,000 crossed into Spain’s Ceuta from Morocco within 24 hours, prompting a major security response and diplomatic reactions across Europe.

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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.

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PM Modi, UK’s Andy Burnham agree to strengthen India-UK strategic partnership

PM Modi and new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to expand cooperation in trade, defence, technology, clean energy and investment during their first phone conversation.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and said both leaders had agreed to take the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to “new heights” by expanding cooperation across several key sectors.

The two leaders spoke over the phone and discussed various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, investment, technology, defence, clean energy, education and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Modi highlights cooperation across key sectors

Sharing details of the conversation on social media, PM Modi said he extended his congratulations to Andy Burnham on assuming office and wished him success during his tenure.

He said both countries would work together in areas such as technology, innovation, defence, security, clean energy, education and stronger people-to-people connections to further strengthen the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Prime Minister also said India and the United Kingdom would work closely to maximise the trade and investment opportunities created by the recently operationalised India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), with the aim of promoting shared prosperity and improving the well-being of people in both countries.

UK outlines Vision 2035 goals

According to a statement issued by the British government, Andy Burnham highlighted the strong partnership between the two nations and its positive impact on communities across the United Kingdom.

The statement said the British Prime Minister expressed his ambition to further deepen bilateral ties through the UK-India Vision 2035 framework while strengthening people-to-people links.

Burnham also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to British society. During the conversation, PM Modi referred to the historical connection between Manchester and Ahmedabad, describing Ahmedabad as the “Manchester of India”.

Focus on trade and investment

The British readout said the leaders also discussed the recently introduced free trade agreement, with PM Modi underlining its potential to generate new opportunities for businesses and people in both countries through stronger trade and investment cooperation.

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