Minas Tirith Reports

🇮🇶🇰🇼🇺🇸Protesters Seize Kuwaiti Consulate in Basra After Deadly US Strike Yesterday, security forces have deployed in Basra, Iraq, as demonstrators gathered at the Kuwaiti consulate. The unrest followed the US military strike in the Khor al-Zubair area, reportedly launched from Kuwaiti territory. The initial rocket attack killed at least three people and wounded five others, destroying a house. While sources initially indicated the strike may have targeted an armed faction, the victims are now reported as a civilian family. In response, demonstrators stormed the diplomatic compound, raising an Iraqi flag and removing Kuwait's. Clashes have since broken out between riot police and the protesters, who have seized the consulate. Reportedly, then, the Shiite rioters proceeded to loot the premises. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸Trump Vows Prosecution Over Leaked US Pilot Info President Trump has vowed to prosecute the individual who leaked sensitive information regarding a second missing US F-15 pilot. He stated that his team will identify the source, who could face trial for what the Department of Defense reportedly considers an act of treason. Additionally, Trump warned that the journalist who published the report may face jail time if they refuse to disclose their source, underscoring the severity of the national security breach. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇰🇷🇦🇺🇯🇵Trump Criticizes Pacific Allies Over Lack of Iran Support President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of key US alliances, asserting that nations like South Korea, Australia, and Japan 'didn't help us.' He cited the substantial American military presence maintained for their defense, including 50,000 troops in Japan and 45,000 in South Korea. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇻🇪Trump Touts High Poll Numbers in Venezuela President Donald Trump has highlighted his significant popularity within Venezuela, stating he is 'polling higher than anybody has ever polled' in the socialist-run nation. In his characteristic style, Trump quipped that following his current political objectives, he could learn Spanish and successfully run for president of Venezuela. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇱🇬🇷Greece Acquires Israeli PULS Rocket Systems in €650M Deal Israel and Greece have finalized a significant defense agreement valued at approximately €650 million. The deal, signed in Athens, will see Israel's Elbit Systems supply Greece with its advanced PULS rocket artillery system. This acquisition marks a substantial upgrade for the Hellenic Armed Forces, enhancing their long-range precision strike capabilities. The comprehensive package includes launchers, precision-guided missiles, and loitering munitions, reinforcing a key NATO member's defensive posture. The agreement also includes training rockets, with deliveries scheduled over four years and a subsequent 10-year support period. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇸🇦🇯🇵🇮🇳Saudi Aramco Hits Asia with Record High Oil Price Saudi Aramco has set its official May selling price for flagship crude oil to a record high for its Asian customers. The price was raised to a premium of +$19.50 per barrel, a dramatic increase from the previous month's +$2.50 premium. This decision will significantly increase fuel costs for major regional importers, including Japan and India, placing direct economic pressure on these nations. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇸🇦🇮🇷Iran Threat Prompts Evacuation of Riyadh Financial District Saudi Arabia has reportedly evacuated its main financial district in Riyadh amid credible fears of an Iranian missile or drone attack. Businesses in the King Abdullah Financial District were instructed to keep employees away from April 2nd through at least April 6th. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇵🇰🇦🇪Pakistan's Financial Crisis Deepens as UAE Demands Repayment Pakistan will repay approximately $3.5 billion in matured loans to the United Arab Emirates. The move comes after negotiations for a rollover collapsed, with the UAE now demanding immediate repayment. This demand places significant pressure on Islamabad, which is grappling with a severe cash crunch and dwindling foreign reserves. Geopolitics experts speculate that the move might represent the UAE's payback for Pakistan's support for Iran. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸US Oil Prices Test Highs After Surging Past $115 Following the holiday weekend, global oil markets have reopened with a significant price surge. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures have climbed above $115 per barrel, marking a notable increase as trading resumed. The international benchmark, Brent crude, also saw a substantial rise to over $111 per barrel. This sharp upward movement reflects immediate market pressures and investor sentiment as the new week begins. US crude oil prices have now doubled since the start of 2026, rising from $57 to the current level of $115. The price is now testing key resistance around $114.3, with renewed buying interest confirmed after a pullback. A sustained break above this level could open the way for a further push toward the $116-$118 range. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇮🇷US Confirms Deliberate Destruction of Own Aircraft in Iran A recent US combat search and rescue mission in Iran resulted in significant equipment losses. Reports confirmed the loss of two HC-130J aircraft, four MH-6 Little Bird helicopters, and two MQ-9 Reaper drones. According to the USA officials, the two HC-130J rescue aircraft and four MH-6 helicopters were deliberately destroyed by American forces. The two larger planes were reportedly scuttled due to mechanical issues. The destroyed rescue aircraft have since been identified as MC-130J Combat King II models. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇨🇩US Finalizes Migrant Deportation Deal with DR Congo The United States is finalizing an agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo to accept third-country nationals deported from American soil. This arrangement is reportedly linked to a broader US partnership with Kinshasa focused on strategic minerals and mining interests. In exchange for all that help, Congo wants investment and American help to pacify the Rwanda-backed rebels in the East. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇮🇷US Restricts Commercial Satellite Imagery Over Middle East The US government has directed commercial satellite providers, including Planet Labs, to restrict public access to imagery over the Iran conflict zone. Effective retroactively from March 9, the policy imposes an 'indefinite withhold' on data, with releases granted on a case-by-case basis. This strategic move is a standard operational security measure. It controls the information environment to protect sensitive military activities and deny adversaries critical battlefield intelligence. Planet, a leading imagery company, has confirmed its compliance with the directive. This action effectively suppresses independent verification of strike damage, civilian casualties, and infrastructure destruction in the region. The company confirmed the suspension covers Iran and the broader Middle East, a measure intended to prevent adversaries from using the data to attack US and allied forces. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated