Migrant Surge into Spain Claims 86 Lives; Iran Accuses US-Israel of Orchestration

A massive influx of migrants into Spain has resulted in at least 86 deaths, with many drowning at sea or being trampled in border stampedes. The Iranian embassy in Nairobi has accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating this wave of migration. They described it as a special operation designed to destabilize Spain and a gift to the European far-right.

Iran's embassy further alleged that the operation was coordinated with certain neighboring countries and aimed to punish nations challenging the "American Empire and its Israeli lackeys." They warned that the "American empire" would not tolerate defiance.

Neither the US nor Israel has officially commented on these accusations. However, Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, criticized Spain's management of the crisis. He noted Spain's own emergency declaration in Ceuta following the migrant influx, suggesting Spain should focus on its own issues rather than lecturing Israel.

Spanish Minister of Transport Oscar Puente responded to Danon's remarks, indicating that the situation was becoming clear. Meanwhile, US right-wing commentator Alex Jones and Catalan Left Republic Party spokesperson Gabriel Rufian also claimed that Israel and the US were behind the migrant surge. These comments emerge amid deep animosity between Madrid and Israel, particularly concerning the Gaza conflict and US-led actions against Iran. Spain recognized Palestine in May 2024 and accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. The country has also recalled its ambassador to Israel and closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in attacks on Iran.