The United States is deploying thousands of Marines along with an amphibious assault ship to the Middle East in a move officials say is designed to deter further escalation in the region.

The deployment comes amid rising tensions after Iran threatened and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil supplies.

The amphibious assault ship, part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit, will carry helicopters, fighters, and amphibious vehicles, giving the U.S. the ability to project force quickly on land and at sea. Pentagon officials describe the operation as primarily defensive, intended to reassure U.S. allies and deter hostile actions.

Experts warn that the deployment underscores growing concerns of a broader conflict, following recent attacks and counterattacks involving Iran and Israel. The announcement has already caused global oil prices to spike, reflecting fears of further supply disruptions in the Gulf.

While the U.S. is not signalling a full-scale invasion. The reinforcement highlights Washington’s readiness to protect strategic interests and maintain regional stability amid ongoing hostilities.

The governments of the United Kingdom and Nigeria have unveiled a three-year strategic plan aimed at strengthening cooperation against organised immigration crime and enhancing border security.

The initiative was announced in a joint statement issued by the UK Home Office on Thursday, following the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.

According to the statement, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised immigration crime and addressing risks associated with irregular migration, describing border control as a matter of “significant importance” to both nations.

The agreement, signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, outlines measures to curb visa abuse, strengthen legal frameworks, and enhance operational collaboration.

Under the plan, Nigeria is expected to review its legal system to impose stricter penalties for immigration-related offences, particularly those involving the production of fraudulent travel documents. Both countries also pledged to expand legal provisions for prosecuting offenders and tighten regulations around visa and travel documentation.

The partnership will further strengthen the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit through new Memoranda of Understanding focused on operational engagement and data sharing.

In addition, the United Kingdom will provide training and capacity building for Nigeria’s border security agencies, while both nations will collaborate on protecting vulnerable migrants, especially women and children.

The agreement also includes enhanced research efforts, improved document verification systems, and regular assessments under the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue framework.

Both governments noted that the pact reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding citizens and reinforcing border systems through partnership, mutual support, and shared understanding.

The development comes amid a series of high-level engagements during President Tinubu’s visit, hosted by Charles III, which marked a significant moment in diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The visit also yielded key agreements, including a £746 million financing deal targeted at modernising Nigeria’s major seaports in Apapa and Tin Can Island, further strengthening economic ties between both nations.

Kuwait’s key oil facility, the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery, has been struck by Iranian drones, triggering fires in parts of the plant and raising fresh concerns over the security of energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.

According to Kuwaiti authorities and multiple international reports, the attack hit operational units within the refinery, igniting fires that emergency teams quickly moved to contain. No immediate casualties were reported, though damage assessments are ongoing.

The strike is part of a broader escalation in the Middle East, with Iran targeting energy facilities across several Gulf countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Analysts say the attacks are in retaliation for recent Israeli strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, a critical component of the country’s energy sector.

Kuwait’s state oil authorities confirmed that safety protocols were activated promptly, and firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control. However, the repeated targeting of the refinery reportedly struck more than once within days has heightened fears of prolonged disruption to oil production and exports.

In response to the attacks, Kuwait has temporarily suspended operations at some of its refineries, including Mina Al-Ahmadi, to assess damage and ensure safety. The move is expected to impact the country’s refining capacity and could have ripple effects on global oil supply.

The wider conflict has already begun to affect global markets, with oil prices surging amid fears of supply disruptions. Brent crude has reportedly climbed above $119 per barrel following the wave of attacks on energy infrastructure across the Gulf.

Security analysts warn that continued strikes on critical oil facilities could further destabilize the region and intensify geopolitical tensions, particularly as global powers respond to the growing crisis.