Minas Tirith Reports

🇺🇸🇮🇷Trump Expresses Doubt on Pahlavi's Leadership Potential in Iran President Trump has voiced skepticism regarding Reza Pahlavi's potential to secure widespread support within Iran and lead, should the existing government fall. Acknowledging Pahlavi's perceived likability, Trump questioned his capability to unify the Iranian people. The former president highlighted the ambiguity surrounding the Iranian population's willingness to embrace Pahlavi as a legitimate leader. Trump reiterated his uncertainty, stating Pahlavi "seems like a very pleasant person" but may lack the necessary backing to assume power. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇻🇪🇶🇦Chevron Expansion & US Venezuelan Oil Sales Continue Chevron is poised to expand Venezuelan oil production under a US-approved license, strengthening American influence over the region's energy sector. The US has completed initial Venezuelan oil sales, generating approximately $500 million. Revenue is secured in US-controlled accounts in Qatar, ensuring American oversight and preventing seizure. The US has now completed sales of the $2 billion Venezuelan oil deal. The revenue from the sale is being held in a government bank account. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇻🇪Minneapolis ICE Shooting: Protests Erupt After Shovel Attack An ICE agent in Minneapolis shot a Venezuelan national who assaulted officers with a shovel. The suspect is in stable condition and now in custody, and protests have erupted at the scene. Fox News reports the Venezuelan is a teen who was shot in the leg. He was photographed smiling and giving a thumbs up while on a stretcher. The Department of Homeland Security reports that the Venezuelan national fled a traffic stop, crashed his car, and then resisted arrest, assaulting an officer with a shovel along with two others. The officer fired a defensive shot, wounding the suspect in the leg. Reports indicate that residents of Minneapolis joined the assault, using shovels against ICE officers during the attempted detention. Following the shooting, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, and a federal agency vehicle was reportedly raided, with documents and a rifle allegedly stolen. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷🇺🇸🇮🇱Pahlavi: Free Iran to Recognize Israel, Expand Cyrus Accords Reza Pahlavi pledges a free Iran will immediately recognize Israel and normalize relations with the United States. He also stated Iran's nuclear military program will end and support for terrorist groups will cease. Pahlavi envisions expanding the Abraham Accords into the Cyrus Accords, uniting Iran, Israel, and the Arab world. A free Iran will act as a friend and a stabilizing force in the region. Furthermore, Pahlavi commits to confronting terrorism, organized crime, and corruption, while becoming a reliable energy supplier. President Trump commented on Pahlavi, stating he seems very nice, but questioned his potential acceptance within Iran. Trump added that he doesn't know if his country would accept his leadership. Pahlavi reiterated that a free Iran will work with global partners to confront terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and radical Islamism. He reaffirmed the commitment to normalize relations with the United States. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇦🇷🇺Kremlin Backs Trump's Claim: Zelensky Impeding Ukraine-Russia Peace Former President Trump asserts Putin is prepared to negotiate a settlement in Ukraine. Trump claims Kyiv's position is the primary obstacle to progress, not Moscow's. Trump told Reuters that winning the presidency doesn't guarantee midterm success, but his party will strive to win. Trump has now stated definitively that Zelensky, not Putin, is the primary impediment to a peace agreement. Kremlin spokesperson TASS reports they agree with Trump's assessment that Zelensky is hindering the peace process. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇷UNSC Emergency Meeting on Iran Set for Thursday The United States has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. The meeting will address the escalating situation in Iran. The US move signals heightened concern over Iran's recent activities. The emergency UN Security Council meeting on Iran, convened by the US, will take place Thursday, January 15th, at 3:00 PM NY time. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇷Trump Pauses Iran Action; Retaliation Risk Assessed President Trump has reportedly instructed his national security team that any potential U.S. military action against Iran should be swift and decisive, aiming to avoid a protracted conflict. Advisers, however, have expressed concerns about guaranteeing a quick collapse of the Iranian regime and potential retaliation. Trump is considering limited, targeted strikes as an alternative to a large-scale operation, while maintaining options for escalation. Other options, such as a cyberattack or a strike against Iran’s domestic security apparatus, are more likely. Following Trump's remarks on Wednesday, the Pentagon prepared for troops to return to Al Udeid base, signaling a potential 'off-ramp.' Long-range bombers on alert for secondary strikes have seemingly paused operations. According to Walla military analyst Amir Bohbot, Trump appears to have stopped an attack at the last minute. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷Iran Airspace Reopens After Multiple NOTAM Extensions Iran's previously issued NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) has expired. The expiration removes a potential restriction on air traffic in the region. Iran has extended its NOTAM for another two hours, keeping the airspace restriction in place for an additional two hours. Iran has further extended its airspace closure until 7 AM local time. The extended NOTAM issued by Iran has now expired, and the airspace has reopened. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇶🇦🇮🇶🇸🇦U.S. Issues Travel Advisory for Qatar, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait The U.S. State Department has advised personnel in both Qatar and Iraq to exercise increased caution. The advisory specifically recommends limiting non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase. This measure reflects ongoing regional tensions and a proactive approach to citizen safety. The U.S. Embassy in Doha now advises U.S. citizens in Qatar to follow the same precautions. Similar warnings have been issued by U.S. embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, urging citizens to avoid major regional military facilities amid escalating tensions with Iran. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇻🇪Senate Rejects Curb on Trump's Venezuela Military Options Again The U.S. Senate voted 51-50 against limiting Donald Trump's ability to take military action in Venezuela without Congressional approval. Senator J.D. Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, effectively siding with the executive branch on matters of foreign policy. This decision allows for greater flexibility in responding to potential threats or instability in the region. The vote followed reported aggression and the kidnapping attempt on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Two GOP senators reportedly flipped their votes after pressure from the Trump camp. The Senate rejected a draft resolution that would prevent Trump from conducting another military operation in Venezuela without Congressional approval. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇬🇧🇮🇱🇺🇸UK and US Issue Travel Advisories for Israel Amid Regional Instability The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a travel advisory against all non-essential travel to Israel. This recommendation also extends to Palestine. The advisory reflects growing regional instability. The UK is now calling on its citizens to leave Israel. Further travel to the country is strongly discouraged. The American Embassy in Tel Aviv has also urged US citizens in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to exercise caution and review their travel plans. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem is urging US citizens to exercise extra caution amid the ongoing regional tensions. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇹🇷🇮🇱U.S. Calls for Turkish-Israeli Rapprochement, Hints at Gaza Force A U.S. official has expressed Washington's desire for Türkiye and Israel to normalize relations. This call comes amid ongoing geopolitical shifts in the region. Renewed cooperation between these key allies could bolster stability. A U.S. official told Reuters that several countries are involved in a Gaza peacekeeping force. The announcement of participants will occur at the appropriate time. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated