The nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln is currently operating in the Arabian Sea, while USS Gerald R. Ford is moving eastward through the Strait of Gibraltar.

Iran-US tensions: How USS Gerald R. Ford’s integrated radar suite outperforms USS Abraham Lincoln

In a new study, it has been discovered that the human remains discovered at the Orce sites in Spain were nearly 1.3 million years old. The discovery was made when the researchers, headed by Lluis Gibert at the University of Barcelona, re-dated the remains.

In a new study, it has been discovered that the human remains discovered at the Orce sites in Spain were nearly 1.3 million years old. The discovery was made when the researchers, headed by Lluis Gibert at the University of Barcelona, re-dated the remains. The latest discovery supports the theory that early humans reached Europe while passing through the Strait of Gibraltar and did not opt for the Mediterranean route via Asia. “After a century of research, the chronology of the first arrival of hominins in Europe remains controversial. Four Spanish localities potentially record evidence of the oldest Europeans, yet arrival ages remain loosely constrained between 1.6 and 0.9 Ma,” said the researchers. Also Read: These female frogs refuse sex, eat up males if they don’t like their singing “Here we provide a new Early Pleistocene magnetostratigraphy, recording four paleomagnetic boundaries within 80 m of a fluvio-lacustrine sedimentary succession in Orce, southeastern Spain," they added. “This Pleistocene succession incorporates for the first time in Europe five superposed paleontological localities between the Olduvai and Jaramillo magnetozones, including three hominin sites providing evidence of the presence of hominins older than 1.07 Ma in Europe," the researchers explained. How scientists dated unsampled area The palaeomagnetism of a previously unsampled area, which was protected from erosion, was analysed and the new dating details were found. With the new data, the Venta Micena site was placed at 1.32 million years ago (Ma), Barranco León at 1.28 Ma, and Fuente Nueva 3 at 1.23 Ma, which went beyond the age of the Sima del Elefante site in Atapuerca. “The uniqueness of these sites is that they are stratified and within a very long sedimentary sequence, more than eighty meters long,” said Gibert. The researchers also found the magnetic polarity sequence and the Orce sites were placed between 1.77 and 1.07 million years ago. “Having identified a detailed, extended magnetostratigraphy encompassing the fossil sites, we then estimated their age by stratigraphic interpolation,” the researchers explained. Watch: Cambridge researchers use AI for early detection of Alzheimer's disease “A Bayesian age-stratigraphic model was employed and formulated with the prior condition that strata monotonically decrease in age upward," said the researchers. The team analysed the fauna at Orce to finalise the dating and compared it with other Early Pleistocene sites in Europe. The dating also suggested that the early humans entered Europe through the Strait of Gibraltar. “We also defend the hypothesis that they arrived from Gibraltar because no older evidence has been found at any other site along the alternative route,” said Gibert. (With inputs from agencies)

Early humans began existing in Europe around 1.3 million years ago. This Strait showed them the way

A once-sleeping subduction zone beneath the Gibraltar Strait is showing signs of stirring, with new research suggesting it could spell changes for the Atlantic Ocean. According to a study published in the journal Geology on February 13, the Gibraltar arc, as it's known, has been quietly creeping westward and might one day "invade" the Atlantic, leading to the gradual closure of the ocean basin.

Lead author Joao Duarte, a geologist and assistant professor at the University of Lisbon, reportedly described the situation as an "invaluable opportunity" to observe a process in its early stages.&nbsp;"Studying Gibraltar is an invaluable opportunity because it allows observing the process in its early stages when it is just happening."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/passive-smoking-exposure-nearly-doubles-stroke-risk-new-study-says-700823">Passive smoking exposure nearly doubles stroke risk, new study says</a>

The Gibraltar arc, which began its westward journey around 30 million years ago, has appeared stalled in recent history, prompting speculation about its activity. However, the study suggested it's merely in a period of dormancy that could last another 20 million years.&nbsp;

Using advanced computer models, Duarte and his team simulated the birth and evolution of the subduction zone, noting a decline in its speed around 5 million years ago. They predicted that over the next 20 million years, the arc will gradually push its way through the narrow Gibraltar Strait and into the Atlantic in a process termed "subduction invasion."

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This potential invasion of the Atlantic Ocean could lead to the formation of an Atlantic subduction system akin to the infamous "Ring of Fire" encircling the Pacific Ocean. Such a transformation would involve the recycling of oceanic crust into the mantle through subduction, gradually altering the landscape of the Atlantic.

Watch | Sounds from healthy reefs may boost coral regeneration: Study

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"If the movement along the subduction interface were small, the accumulation of the seismic strain would be slow and may take hundreds of years to accumulate," the researchers noted.&nbsp;

As technology allows for more detailed simulations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the complex geological processes shaping our planet's surface. "We can now simulate the formation of the Gibraltar arc with great detail and also how it may evolve in the deep future," said&nbsp;Duarte.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A once-sleeping subduction zone beneath the Gibraltar Strait is showing signs of stirring, with new research suggesting it could spell changes for the Atlantic Ocean.

A once-sleeping subduction zone beneath the Gibraltar Strait is showing signs of stirring, with new research suggesting it could spell changes for the Atlantic Ocean. According to a study published in the journal Geology on February 13, the Gibraltar arc, as it's known, has been quietly creeping westward and might one day "invade" the Atlantic, leading to the gradual closure of the ocean basin. Lead author Joao Duarte, a geologist and assistant professor at the University of Lisbon, reportedly described the situation as an "invaluable opportunity" to observe a process in its early stages. "Studying Gibraltar is an invaluable opportunity because it allows observing the process in its early stages when it is just happening." Also Read | Passive smoking exposure nearly doubles stroke risk, new study says The Gibraltar arc, which began its westward journey around 30 million years ago, has appeared stalled in recent history, prompting speculation about its activity. However, the study suggested it's merely in a period of dormancy that could last another 20 million years. Using advanced computer models, Duarte and his team simulated the birth and evolution of the subduction zone, noting a decline in its speed around 5 million years ago. They predicted that over the next 20 million years, the arc will gradually push its way through the narrow Gibraltar Strait and into the Atlantic in a process termed "subduction invasion." Also Read | Dinner in space? Space tourism company plans cosmic meal for a whopping amount This potential invasion of the Atlantic Ocean could lead to the formation of an Atlantic subduction system akin to the infamous "Ring of Fire" encircling the Pacific Ocean. Such a transformation would involve the recycling of oceanic crust into the mantle through subduction, gradually altering the landscape of the Atlantic. Watch | Sounds from healthy reefs may boost coral regeneration: Study × "If the movement along the subduction interface were small, the accumulation of the seismic strain would be slow and may take hundreds of years to accumulate," the researchers noted. As technology allows for more detailed simulations, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the complex geological processes shaping our planet's surface. "We can now simulate the formation of the Gibraltar arc with great detail and also how it may evolve in the deep future," said Duarte. (With inputs from agencies)

Subduction zone stirring beneath Gibraltar Strait, research warns it may ‘invade’ Atlantic ocean

Orcas, which are big sea animals, have attacked a yacht again. This time, they made a Polish yacht sink in the Strait of Gibraltar, a trend widely visible since 2020.&nbsp;

The orca (Orcinus orca), also called killer whale, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member.

The yacht that was targeted by Orcas this time around was Grazie Mamma II, and it belonged to a company from Poland called Morskie Mile. The company gave details about the attack on their Facebook page.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Orca moms protect their sons from social injury, but not their daughters: Study

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On October 31, when the yacht was passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, a group of orcas attacked it.

These orcas hit the part of the boat that helps it steer, for 45 minutes, causing a lot of damage and making the yacht start to leak water.

"The crew is safe, unharmed and sound already in Spain," the post stated.

Even though the captain and the crew tried really hard, and search and rescue teams, big boats, and the Navy from Morocco came to help, the yacht still sank near a place called Tanger Med.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-video-captures-killer-whale-tearing-into-massive-shark-slurping-its-liver-watch-622127">Also read:&nbsp;Rare video captures killer whale tearing into massive shark, `slurping` its liver. Watch</a>

The company now wants to make sure that their trips to the Canary Islands will go unaffected, and they will talk to the people who were going on the trip soon.

Scientists are not sure why the orcas keep attacking boats in that area. One idea is that one orca got scared by a boat or a fishing vessel before, and now it's teaching other orcas to act aggressively. But some people think the orcas might just be playing with the boats and not trying to be mean.

Experts are now advising sailors active in the area to demonstrate preparedness in a case of an orca attack. They have also been advised not to sail at night.

(With inputs from agencies)

Orcas, which are big sea animals, have attacked a yacht again. This time, they made a Polish yacht sink in the Strait of Gibraltar, a trend widely visible since 2020.

Orcas, which are big sea animals, have attacked a yacht again. This time, they made a Polish yacht sink in the Strait of Gibraltar, a trend widely visible since 2020. The orca (Orcinus orca), also called killer whale, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family, of which it is the largest member. The yacht that was targeted by Orcas this time around was Grazie Mamma II, and it belonged to a company from Poland called Morskie Mile. The company gave details about the attack on their Facebook page. Watch: Orca moms protect their sons from social injury, but not their daughters: Study × On October 31, when the yacht was passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, a group of orcas attacked it. These orcas hit the part of the boat that helps it steer, for 45 minutes, causing a lot of damage and making the yacht start to leak water. "The crew is safe, unharmed and sound already in Spain," the post stated. Even though the captain and the crew tried really hard, and search and rescue teams, big boats, and the Navy from Morocco came to help, the yacht still sank near a place called Tanger Med. Also read: Rare video captures killer whale tearing into massive shark, `slurping` its liver. Watch The company now wants to make sure that their trips to the Canary Islands will go unaffected, and they will talk to the people who were going on the trip soon. Scientists are not sure why the orcas keep attacking boats in that area. One idea is that one orca got scared by a boat or a fishing vessel before, and now it's teaching other orcas to act aggressively. But some people think the orcas might just be playing with the boats and not trying to be mean. Experts are now advising sailors active in the area to demonstrate preparedness in a case of an orca attack. They have also been advised not to sail at night. (With inputs from agencies)

Orcas sink another yacht near Strait of Gibraltar after sustained 45-min-long attack

If Iran's oil exports are cut to zero, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-facilitate-iranian-tanker-to-deliver-oil-to-syria-greece-244605">international waterways</a> will not have the same security as before, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday at a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Khamenei's official website.

"World powers know that in the case that oil is completely sanctioned and Iran's oil exports are brought down to zero, international waterways can't have the same security as before," Rouhani said. "So unilateral pressure against Iran can't be to their advantage and won't guarantee their security in the region and the world."

Australia meanwhile said it would&nbsp;join the United States in a security mission to protect merchant vessels travelling through key Middle East waterways after Iran seized a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-act-if-iranian-tanker-tries-to-deliver-oil-to-syria-pompeo-244531">British-flagged vessel</a>.

Foremost among the areas to be patrolled is the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, through which about one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude flows out of the Gulf.

Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US&nbsp;and Britain have blamed on Iran, though it denies involvement. Britain this month became the first US ally to announce its participation.

"This destabilising behaviour is a threat to Australia's interests in the region," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a news conference in Canberra. "Our contribution will be limited in scope and it will be time-bound."

Morrison said Australia would send a P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane to the Middle East for one month before the end of 2019, while an Australian frigate would be deployed for six months from January.

Australia is a staunch ally of the United States, which in recent months has urged partners to do more for global security.

Most European countries, which disagree with the US decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran, have been reluctant to sign up to the US-led mission for fear of adding to tension in the region.

President Donald Trump had withdrawn the US from a big-power deal in 2018 that had scrapped international sanctions in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme.

If Iran's oil exports are cut to zero, international waterways will not have the same security as before, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday at a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Khamenei's official website.

If Iran's oil exports are cut to zero, international waterways will not have the same security as before, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday at a meeting with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Khamenei's official website. "World powers know that in the case that oil is completely sanctioned and Iran's oil exports are brought down to zero, international waterways can't have the same security as before," Rouhani said. "So unilateral pressure against Iran can't be to their advantage and won't guarantee their security in the region and the world." Australia meanwhile said it would join the United States in a security mission to protect merchant vessels travelling through key Middle East waterways after Iran seized a British-flagged vessel. Foremost among the areas to be patrolled is the Strait of Hormuz, between Oman and Iran, through which about one-fifth of the world's seaborne crude flows out of the Gulf. Global commodity trading has been rocked in recent months by the seizure of the British tanker and a series of attacks on international merchant vessels that the US and Britain have blamed on Iran, though it denies involvement. Britain this month became the first US ally to announce its participation. "This destabilising behaviour is a threat to Australia's interests in the region," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a news conference in Canberra. "Our contribution will be limited in scope and it will be time-bound." Morrison said Australia would send a P-8A Poseidon surveillance plane to the Middle East for one month before the end of 2019, while an Australian frigate would be deployed for six months from January. Australia is a staunch ally of the United States, which in recent months has urged partners to do more for global security. Most European countries, which disagree with the US decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran, have been reluctant to sign up to the US-led mission for fear of adding to tension in the region. President Donald Trump had withdrawn the US from a big-power deal in 2018 that had scrapped international sanctions in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear programme.

International waterways won't be safe if Iran oil exports cut to zero: President Rouhani

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-seizes-foreign-vessel-smuggling-fuel-state-media-240586">foreign oil tanker in the Gulf</a> which they said was smuggling fuel and detained seven crewmen, Iran's state media reported on Sunday (August 4).

The vessel was intercepted near Iran's Farsi Island in the Gulf on Wednesday (August 1), Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said.

The elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has a navy base on Farsi Island which is located north of the Strait of Hormuz. Its commander Ramezan Zirahi told state TV that the tanker was carrying 700,000 litres of fuel, without elaborating on the nationalities of the detained crewmen and the identity of the ship.

He added that the tanker "was transferred to the Bushehr port, where its fuel was handed over to the authorities."

Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy state subsidies and the fall of its currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf which they said was smuggling fuel and detained seven crewmen, Iran's state media reported on Sunday (August 4).

Iranian Revolutionary Guards seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf which they said was smuggling fuel and detained seven crewmen, Iran's state media reported on Sunday (August 4). The vessel was intercepted near Iran's Farsi Island in the Gulf on Wednesday (August 1), Iran's semi-official Fars news agency said. The elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has a navy base on Farsi Island which is located north of the Strait of Hormuz. Its commander Ramezan Zirahi told state TV that the tanker was carrying 700,000 litres of fuel, without elaborating on the nationalities of the detained crewmen and the identity of the ship. He added that the tanker "was transferred to the Bushehr port, where its fuel was handed over to the authorities." Iran, which has some of the world's cheapest fuel prices due to heavy state subsidies and the fall of its currency, has been fighting rampant fuel smuggling by land to neighbouring countries and by sea to Gulf Arab states.

Iranian state TV shows 'smuggled fuel' aboard a seized foreign oil tanker

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-sentences-us-spies-to-death-after-claiming-to-have-broken-cias-intelligence-ring-237639"> captured 17 spies</a> working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA)&nbsp;and sentenced some to death.

Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers.

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The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1153290669424807936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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“The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel.

Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations.

On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar.

Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death.

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo dismissed Iran’s announcement it had captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) and sentenced some to death. Iran made the announcement in state media, saying the alleged spies had been arrested in the 12 months to March 2019. Such announcements are not unusual in Iran, but the timing has raised concerns that Tehran is hardening its position in its standoff with Western powers. The Report of Iran capturing CIA spies is totally false. Zero truth. Just more lies and propaganda (like their shot down drone) put out by a Religious Regime that is Badly Failing and has no idea what to do. Their Economy is dead, and will get much worse. Iran is a total mess! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2019 × “The Iranian regime has a long history of lying ... I would take with a significant grain of salt any Iranian assertion about actions that they’ve taken,” Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News Channel. Pompeo declined to comment about any specific cases, but added: “There’s a long list of Americans that we are working to get home from the Islamic Republic of Iran.” In recent weeks, the United States has blamed Iran for a string of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping alley in the oil trade bordering one coast of Iran. Iran has denied the accusations. On Friday, Iran seized a British-flagged oil tanker in the strait. Tehran had previously warned it would retaliate after Britain captured an Iranian tanker off the coast of Gibraltar. Asked about any possible US role in the tensions, Pompeo said, “The responsibility ... falls to the United Kingdom to take care of their ships.”

The regime has a long history of lying: Pompeo on Iran capturing CIA spies

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-and-us-will-regret-detaining-our-oil-tanker-irans-elite-revolutionary-guards-deputy-commander-234959">Iranian boats threatened a British</a> oil tanker.

The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping."

"I think that that will be developing over the next couple weeks," Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Tensions in the Gulf have increased in the past few weeks, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-vessels-impeded-passage-of-commercial-ship-in-strait-of-hormuz-turned-away-after-verbal-warning-uk-234877">Iran's economy in free fall</a> following the re-imposition of US sanctions after President Donald Trump pulled out from a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program.

The rapid chain of events further complicates Britain and other European allies' efforts to salvage the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement despite the US withdrawal.

Watch Video:

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Milley's statement came after London accused Tehran on Thursday of deploying three military vessels to "impede the passage" of a 274-meter (899-foot) BP tanker, the British Heritage.

"We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," a Downing Street spokesman said.

Iran's menacing of the BP supertanker on Wednesday appeared to be in retaliation for Britain's seizure of the Iranian Grace 1 tanker off Gibraltar on July 4.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied involvement in the British Heritage incident but said the United States and Britain would "strongly regret" British detention of the fully-loaded Iranian tanker off Gibraltar for violating sanctions on Syria, allegedly the planned recipient of its cargo.

Washington and Riyadh previously blamed Iran for allegedly using limpet mines to blow holes in Gulf-area ships in May and June, and Trump came close to ordering an attack on Iran in retaliation.

Officials in Britain and France would not confirm the discussions on a tanker escort operation.

Both, like the United States, maintain a constant naval presence in the Gulf. But London and Paris have been reticent to join in Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran to force it to pull back on its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen.&nbsp;

British media reported that the possible deployment of more Royal Navy ships to the region was "being looked at" in the aftermath of the newest incident.

But in France, a government official told AFP that they were not planning for the moment to expand their presence in the Gulf.&nbsp;

"France is on a course of de-escalation," the official said.

"Sending additional military assets to the region does not seem useful to us."

A joint effort would reprise the 1987-1988 US-led operation to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attacks during the Iran-Iraq war.

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed Iranian boats threatened a British oil tanker. The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping.

The Pentagon said on Thursday it was discussing military escorts for vessels in the Gulf, one day after armed Iranian boats threatened a British oil tanker. The White House's nominee to become chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Washington was attempting to put together a coalition "in terms of providing military escort, naval escort to commercial shipping." "I think that that will be developing over the next couple weeks," Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee. Tensions in the Gulf have increased in the past few weeks, with Iran's economy in free fall following the re-imposition of US sanctions after President Donald Trump pulled out from a 2015 international agreement to curb Iran's nuclear program. The rapid chain of events further complicates Britain and other European allies' efforts to salvage the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement despite the US withdrawal. Watch Video: Milley's statement came after London accused Tehran on Thursday of deploying three military vessels to "impede the passage" of a 274-meter (899-foot) BP tanker, the British Heritage. "We are concerned by this action and continue to urge the Iranian authorities to de-escalate the situation in the region," a Downing Street spokesman said. Iran's menacing of the BP supertanker on Wednesday appeared to be in retaliation for Britain's seizure of the Iranian Grace 1 tanker off Gibraltar on July 4. Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied involvement in the British Heritage incident but said the United States and Britain would "strongly regret" British detention of the fully-loaded Iranian tanker off Gibraltar for violating sanctions on Syria, allegedly the planned recipient of its cargo. Washington and Riyadh previously blamed Iran for allegedly using limpet mines to blow holes in Gulf-area ships in May and June, and Trump came close to ordering an attack on Iran in retaliation. Officials in Britain and France would not confirm the discussions on a tanker escort operation. Both, like the United States, maintain a constant naval presence in the Gulf. But London and Paris have been reticent to join in Washington's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran to force it to pull back on its involvement in conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. British media reported that the possible deployment of more Royal Navy ships to the region was "being looked at" in the aftermath of the newest incident. But in France, a government official told AFP that they were not planning for the moment to expand their presence in the Gulf. "France is on a course of de-escalation," the official said. "Sending additional military assets to the region does not seem useful to us." A joint effort would reprise the 1987-1988 US-led operation to protect Kuwaiti oil tankers from Iranian attacks during the Iran-Iraq war.

Attempting coalition military, naval escort for commercial ships in the Gulf: Pentagon

Spain's maritime rescue service said Sunday it had rescued 408 migrants who were attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea from north Africa this weekend.

The service said its rescue boats intercepted 115 migrants travelling in five small boats in the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday, a day after it pulled 293 migrants from nine vessels.

The maritime service is tracking three other boats carrying "a significant number of migrants" in the Alboran Sea east of the Strait of Gibraltar, a maritime rescue service spokesman told AFP.

Spain is the third busiest gateway for migrants arriving in Europe, still far behind Italy but catching up fast with Greece.

Many Africans undertaking the long route to Europe are choosing to avoid crossing danger-ridden Libya to get to Italy along the so-called central Mediterranean route, choosing instead to get there via Morocco and Spain.

According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 22,400 people arrived in Spain by sea last year, nearly triple the number for 2016. Some 223 people died along the way.

The service said its rescue boats intercepted 115 migrants travelling in five small boats in the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday, a day after it pulled 293 migrants from nine vessels

Spain's maritime rescue service said Sunday it had rescued 408 migrants who were attempting the perilous crossing of the Mediterranean Sea from north Africa this weekend. The service said its rescue boats intercepted 115 migrants travelling in five small boats in the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday, a day after it pulled 293 migrants from nine vessels. The maritime service is tracking three other boats carrying "a significant number of migrants" in the Alboran Sea east of the Strait of Gibraltar, a maritime rescue service spokesman told AFP. Spain is the third busiest gateway for migrants arriving in Europe, still far behind Italy but catching up fast with Greece. Many Africans undertaking the long route to Europe are choosing to avoid crossing danger-ridden Libya to get to Italy along the so-called central Mediterranean route, choosing instead to get there via Morocco and Spain. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 22,400 people arrived in Spain by sea last year, nearly triple the number for 2016. Some 223 people died along the way.

Spain rescues over 400 migrants in Mediterranean