US boosts troop presence in Middle East, 'No Kings' protests erupt across US, and more

A month into the West Asia war, global economies face strain as the US considers deploying at least 10,000 additional combat troops to the Middle East. Around 3,500 troops, including 2,500 Marines aboard the Tripoli, have already arrived. Pakistan has offered to mediate talks between the US and Iran, with Deputy Prime Minister Ishak Dar stating Pakistan would be honoured to facilitate meaningful discussions. Trump indicated Iran has agreed to allow 20 more Pakistani-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz and suggested regime change has already occurred, claiming the US is dealing with different people. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined four priorities: destroying Iranian Air Force, missile launch capacity, naval capacity, and missile building capacity. Meanwhile, Spain has closed its airspace to US military planes involved in attacks on Iran, excluding emergency situations. Mass protests have erupted across the US and abroad, with No Kings demonstrations in over 3,200 events across all 50 states condemning Trump's policies, war with Iran, and rising inflation.