Pope Leo used his Canary Islands visit to defend migrants, condemn traffickers and press Europe to protect people risking deadly Atlantic crossings. The islands received a record 46,843 migrants in 2024, while thousands died trying to reach Spain.
Posts tagged as “the Eastern Mediterranean”
Thousands of Albanians are protesting a Jared Kushner-backed luxury resort plan near the protected Vjosa-Narta delta and Sazan Island. Environmentalists say the project threatens flamingos, sea turtles and other protected wildlife, while Prime Minister Edi Rama says it will boost the economy.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a D-Day ceremony in Normandy to criticize European migration policy, describing arrivals by boat as an “invasion.” His remarks followed similar criticism from Trump administration officials and drew on warnings in the administration’s security strategy.
Rising tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have led to attacks on critical infrastructure, including a water desalination plant on Qeshm Island and an Iranian drone strike on a Kuwaiti oil tanker, causing regional instability and driving up global energy prices. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed significant military progress against Iran and proposed alternative energy routes to bypass Iranian-controlled waterways, while the U.S. considers further military options to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Despite ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, direct negotiations remain stalled as both sides maintain firm demands, prolonging the conflict and uncertainty in the region.
James Paul Gracey, a 20-year-old University of Alabama student, was found dead off Somorrostro Beach in Barcelona after being reported missing following a night out at Shoko Nightclub. Spanish police believe his death was accidental, with no signs of foul play, and an autopsy is planned to determine the exact cause. Friends, family, and the university have expressed deep sorrow, remembering Gracey as a beloved son and student who was visiting Barcelona during spring break.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on allied and rival nations to jointly patrol the Strait of Hormuz to secure the vital oil shipping route amid escalating tensions, but countries like Japan, France, China, the UK, and South Korea have responded cautiously without committing to military involvement. Iran maintains its stance of self-defense, denying closure of the strait and blaming U.S. actions for the insecurity, while allowing some vessels safe passage. Experts warn that even a multinational naval presence may not ensure security due to the strait’s narrowness and asymmetric threats, suggesting that diplomatic solutions may be more effective than military intervention.
The Biden administration is deploying more military power to the eastern Mediterranean in response to the escalating conflict in the region. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the U.S. is working to de-escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas and is working with other countries in the region to try to bring about a lasting peace. The U.S. is also focused on ensuring the safe passage of Palestinian-Americans out of Gaza.
The United States Department of Defense has ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to move closer to the Eastern Mediterranean in response to the attack by Hamas on Israel. The Ford carrier strike group is accompanied by the USS Normandy and four Arleigh-Burke-class guided missile destroyers and is part of the U.S. effort to bolster regional deterrence efforts and support Israel in its fight against Hamas. Secretary Austin said the move was done following detailed discussions with President Biden and the strike group is expected to arrive in the region in the coming days.