Minas Tirith Reports

🇺🇸🇸🇾CENTCOM Urges Restraint in Aleppo Region CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper issued a statement regarding the situation in Aleppo and surrounding areas. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilians and infrastructure. Cooper emphasized the need for a return to negotiations and a durable diplomatic resolution. He reiterated that a peaceful Syria benefits regional stability, aligning U.S. and Syrian interests. CENTCOM continues to monitor the situation, urging maximum restraint and prioritizing civilian protection. All actors are called to negotiate in good faith. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇱🇪🇺Netanyahu: Israel's Defense Protects Europe; Liberates Ethiopian Jews Prime Minister Netanyahu asserted that Israel's self-defense also serves as a defense for Europe. He criticized Brussels and many European governments for failing to grasp this connection. Netanyahu praised Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for his understanding of the situation. Netanyahu stated that Jews are being slaughtered in Sydney and various European countries. Netanyahu added that Israel allowed in immigrants from Africa, specifically Ethiopian Jews, whom he characterized as being liberated, not enslaved. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇷🇺🇺🇦Russian Drones Target Energy Grid in Kryvyi Rih Russian Geran-2 drones struck energy infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region. The attack caused widespread power outages in the area. This action highlights the ongoing conflict's impact on civilian infrastructure. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇻🇪🇺🇸🇦🇪Venezuela-U.S. Diplomacy: Machado Talks, Detainee Release, UAE Investments Venezuela is sending envoy Félix Plasencia to Washington this Thursday. This coincides with opposition leader María Corina Machado's scheduled talks with U.S. officials, including President Trump. The dual meetings suggest a complex diplomatic dance between the U.S. and Venezuela. Adding to this dynamic, Venezuela has begun releasing detained U.S. citizens. At least one freed citizen has already left Venezuela. Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodríguez met with the special envoy of the United Arab Emirates president. The talks focused on potential investments across several Venezuelan production sectors. Venezuela’s interim-President Delcy Rodriguez will send an envoy to Washington on Thursday, coinciding with the date of Machado’s meeting with President Trump. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇷Reza Pahlavi Urges Iranian Military to Defect Reza Pahlavi has issued a direct appeal to the Iranian armed forces. He urged them to abandon the Islamic Republic and join the Iranian people. Pahlavi emphasized the limited time remaining for such a decision. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇺🇸🇮🇷Trump Advocates for Iranian Freedom, Cites Moral Limits Former President Trump reiterated his desire for freedom for the Iranian people, calling for an end to the killing of protesters. He acknowledged the suffering endured by Iranians under the current regime. Trump's statements indicate a preference for democratic change in Iran, with a focus on human rights and stability. Trump also cited his personal morality as a limiting factor in his political actions, expressing discomfort with causing harm, even to adversaries. He contrasted his approach with others who might celebrate such outcomes. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇮🇶Baghdad Clashes Intensify Between Security Forces and Militias Reports indicate escalating clashes in central Baghdad, Iraq. These developments suggest a potential surge in Shiite tensions within the region. The situation is rapidly evolving and warrants close monitoring. Gunfire has now broken out between Iraqi security forces and Sadr militias in the Al-Shaab neighborhood. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇹🇷🇸🇦Turkey & Saudi Arabia Hold First Naval Cooperation Meeting Turkey and Saudi Arabia convened their inaugural naval cooperation meeting in Ankara, marking a significant step in their defense relationship. Discussions focused on enhanced maritime collaboration, particularly in the strategically vital Red Sea region. This growing partnership reflects shared security interests and a commitment to addressing rising regional challenges. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇲🇽🇺🇸Mexican President Warns Against US Intervention Mexican President Sheinbaum cautioned against U.S. intervention, citing historical territorial losses. She emphasized the negative consequences of past U.S. involvement in Mexican affairs. The statement underscores potential tensions in US-Mexico relations. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel

🇸🇦🇮🇱🇺🇸🇮🇷Gulf States & Israel Lobby Against Iran Strike; Oil Market Concerns Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar have been lobbying the U.S. against military action in Iran, fearing regional destabilization and economic disruption. These Gulf states have also remained silent on the Iranian regime's crackdown on protesters. Saudi officials have reportedly assured Tehran they would not support a U.S. strike, while the UAE did not participate in lobbying efforts. Israeli and Arab officials have privately urged the U.S. to delay large-scale strikes, arguing the regime is not weak enough and strikes could unite Iranians. Arguments against striking Iran within the Trump administration include the risk of accidents during high-risk missions and fears of a more hardline regime. These Arab countries have indicated to the American administration that such actions would shock the oil markets. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇸🇴Trump Intensifies Somali Fraud Crackdown in Minnesota President Trump announced a policy to halt federal payments to sanctuary cities starting February 1st. He asserts these cities protect criminals at the expense of American citizens, fostering fraud and crime. Trump also pledged to jail foreign nations, migrants, fraudsters, and corrupt politicians attempting to undermine the system. Trump specifically criticized Somali immigrants in Minnesota, alleging welfare fraud and luxury car ownership. He promised audits to address such abuses. Trump has instructed the Secretary of the Treasury to "follow the money" and end the abuse, starting in Minnesota. Trump now claims he won 78 of 87 Minnesota counties, alleging election corruption swung the state. He specifically targeted Ilhan Omar and Tim Walz, accusing them of enabling Somali fraud. He reiterated his instruction to the Secretary of the Treasury to end the abuse, starting in Minnesota. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated

🇺🇸🇨🇳🇮🇷Trump on China Tariffs, AI, Powell, and Iran Retaliation President Trump highlighted revenue from tariffs, especially those on China, asserting they've earned the U.S. billions. He claimed tariff revenue helped end eight wars, though details were absent. Trump also stated the U.S. leads China in artificial intelligence. Trump commented on Jerome Powell, stating he believes Powell will soon be removed from his position. Trump also addressed Iran's threat of retaliation against U.S. assets, referencing a past strike and warning them to 'behave'. Minas Tirith | 24/7 News channel | Updated