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Security sources claim that Katyusha missiles are being fired at the US Embassy in Baghdad.
Security sources and witnesses reported that sirens were heard as Katyusha missiles struck the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. It was not immediately clear if the rockets had caused any casualties or damage. This was the first attack on the embassy in over two years. The last recorded attack?was late 2023 when seven mortar rounds fell in the compound amid a wave attacks by Iran-aligned militas against U.S. assets in Iraq and Syria because Washington supported Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas. Around 9 pm, explosions were heard in the central Baghdad area near the embassy. Witnesses said that sirens sounded at 1800 GMT, warning people to seek cover. According to a senior Iraqi official, the C-RAM defense system was responsible for bringing down one of the missiles. No rockets landed in the embassy. The official claimed that there were no American injuries. The attack shows that Iran-aligned Iraqi militas, who had vowed to retaliate against the death of Iran's supreme leader -- have now widened their target beyond U.S. Military bases in Iraqi Kurdistan as well as U.S. Energy interests. They have also targeted the U.S. embassy. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered his security forces to find those responsible for the projectiles. He called them "rogue groups" that operate outside of the law and do not represent the Iraqi public, according to a press release from his office. Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed. Editing by Timothy Heritage & Diane Craft.
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Kuwait reduces oil production to prevent tensions with Iran, KPC reports
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced on Saturday that the country has reduced crude oil production as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing attacks from 'Iran' against the country, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. These cuts will cause another disruption to the global energy market due to the U.S./Israeli war against?Iran. Oil and gas storage facilities in the Middle East Gulf are rapidly filling up. The Iraqi oil fields have already reduced production, and Qatar has declared force majeure for its massive volumes of gas exports. Next is likely the United Arab Emirates. Kuwait's reducing its output was in response to "Iranian threats against safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz", and as part of "risk management and continuity of business strategy," KPC stated in a press release. The national oil company didn't say how much it reduced its output. Kuwait produced approximately 2.6 million barrels of crude oil per day in February. KPC stated that the?adjustment is strictly precautionary, and will be reviewed as conditions change. It remains ready to resume production once conditions permit. The U.S. and Israeli 'war on Iran' has spilled a little beyond Iran's borders. Tehran responded by attacking Israel and Gulf Arab states - hosting U.S. military bases. And - Israel launched new attacks - in Lebanon, after Iran-aligned Hezbollah fired over the border.
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Four people are killed and more than a dozen injured by tornadoes in rural Michigan
Local authorities reported that tornadoes and storms in southern Michigan killed or injured at least 'four' people on Friday. Multiple homes were destroyed and a large number of residents lost power. Videos on social media, claiming to come from Three Rivers and Union City, showed massive whirlwinds that tore roofs off of buildings and lifted debris into the sky. Local media footage showed cars and buildings smashed, as well as poles, trees, and road signs that had been blown. The sheriff's department of Branch County reported three fatalities and 12 injuries in the area where Union City is situated. According to local authorities, one person died and several others were injured in?Cass County. According to a Cass County website, "multiple large structures including homes and pole barns sustained damage ranging from structural impacts to total destruction." Local officials reported that hundreds of people were affected by power outages. We have many utility poles that are down, transformers that are damaged, and long power lines lying on the ground. According to a post on Union City's official Facebook page, the?northside of Union Lake sustained most of the damage. Two miles of power lines were brought down there alone. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she had activated a State Emergency Operations Center? to monitor the situation. The state is prepared to meet any requests for resources that may arise. Yet, we haven't received any. Clayton Cummins is a spokesperson from Michigan emergency services and the police. He said that it sounds 'like' local response has been able to deal with 'what's a been a very destructive afternoon and evening in Southwest Michigan. (Reporting and editing by Donna Bryson, Tom Hogue, and Maria Tsvetkova)
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Pakistani convicts of plotting to murder Trump in response to death of Iran commander
The Department of Justice reported that a Pakistani man had been convicted of plotting to kill President Donald Trump, and other prominent U.S. officials two years ago on the orders of Iran. Asif Merchant has been accused of 'trying to recruit people in the U.S. for a plan that targets Trump and others as retaliation against Washington's killing in 2020 of Iranian military chief Qassem Solimani, during Trump's first term. Federal prosecutors have said that the plot included targets such as then-President Joe Biden, and Nikki Haley who was running against Trump in 2016 for the Republican Presidential nomination. The DOJ released a statement that said Merchant had been convicted by Iranian authorities of "murdering for hire" and of attempting to commit an act of terror transcending national borders. Brooklyn, a borough in New York City, was the site of a trial that began last week. Days before, Trump had ordered an attack on Iran, which Israel carried out, and has now escalated into the biggest war in the region in years. Merchant testified that he joined the plot with Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, but he only did it to protect his family. Merchant claimed that he had never been ordered to kill anyone in particular, but his Iranian handler mentioned three individuals during conversations in Tehran. The law enforcement agency foiled the plot 'before an attack took place. Merchant's contact in April 2024 who was supposed to assist with the plot, reported Merchant's activities and became an informant. Merchant was arrested in 2024 and pleaded guilty. The Revolutionary guards?play a central role in Iran with their combination of economic and military power, and an intelligence system. Tehran has denied allegations that it 'targeted Trump or other U.S. official. According to Iran's U.N. Ambassador, U.S. and Israeli strikes since Saturday have killed and injured at least 1,332 Iranians. Many Iranian leaders, including the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ayatollah Khamenei have been killed. The U.S. Military has said that six of their service members have been killed in an attack on a Kuwaiti facility, while Israeli statistics show that at least ten civilians were killed throughout Israel. (Reporting and editing by William Mallard in Washington)
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White House wants bolder action to be taken on energy prices in the face of Iran conflict
Two people who are familiar with the matter say that, despite efforts made so far, they may not be enough to combat the soaring prices of energy due to the conflict in Iran. One source said that senior officials asked Energy, Transportation, Treasury and Environmental Protection Agency for more policy options, focusing on measures President Donald Trump can implement without congressional approval. These requests show that the White House has prepared for the possibility of more aggressive action if the price of oil and gasoline continues to rise. Analysts say that higher gas prices may hurt Trump and the Republican Party during November's midterm election, when control over Congress is on the line. "Clearly, the White House coordinates with the Interagency on this important issue. If we weren't, there would be a big problem." Taylor Rogers, White House spokesperson, said that President Trump and the entire energy team had developed a solid game plan for 'keeping oil prices stable long before Operation Epic Fury started. They will continue to evaluate all credible options and implement them as appropriate. U.S. crude oil futures and global crude prices surpassed $90 per barrel on Friday. U.S. price rose more than 12%, as Middle Eastern supplies remained constrained by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the midst of the U.S./Israeli war. In recent weeks, gasoline prices in the U.S. soared to levels not seen since 2024. The average national price for regular unleaded gasoline has risen above $3.30 a gallon. Diesel prices have risen to $4.26 a gallon. White House officials have been cautious in their approach to the energy market, apprehensive that a strategy too aggressive could backfire. Officials warn that any large-scale measures should be calibrated carefully, as they could upset markets, undermine confidence, and cause political backlash. Analysts have expressed doubts about what the White House could do to bring down prices. Officials have been discussing a "wide range of options" including a federal gas tax holiday, and looser environmental restrictions around summer gasoline, which will allow for a higher blend of ethanol. Treasury Department is considering a plan that would involve using oil futures, according to reports, but the announcement is not imminent. Trump ordered Tuesday that the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation insure maritime trade against loss resulting from political instability and conflict. The move was made after an oil and LNG tanker transit halted in the Strait of Hormuz. This is a chokepoint that accounts for 20% of the daily supply of oil around the world. The markets reacted with a certain amount of skepticism. Analysts wonder if financial guarantees alone can counter the operational and safety risks that are posed by growing tensions in this region. The administration announced on Friday that it would provide reinsurance up to $20 billion for oil and natural gas shippers in the Gulf to boost confidence during the war against Iran. Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw, Nandita BOSE; Editing Colleen Jenkins, Lisa Shumaker
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US fuel prices rise as Iran's war disrupts global energy supplies
Retail gasoline and diesel prices in the United States are soaring due to the U.S. and Israel war against Iran, which is limiting oil and?fuel imports. This could be a test for Donald Trump's Republican Party before November's midterm elections. Oil prices rose to $90 per barrel this week, the highest in years. This added pain at gas pumps for consumers already stressed by inflation. In an interview on Thursday, Trump dismissed higher gasoline prices, saying that "if they increase, they will rise." Trump had promised to lower energy costs and unleash U.S. drilling for oil and gas during his second term. However, much of his presidency has been marked with volatility and uncertainty due to policy changes like tariffs and global turmoil. The U.S. produces the most oil in the world. The U.S. is the largest oil producer in the world. It also imports millions barrels of oil every day as it is one of the biggest oil consumers. According to the data of the AAA, as of Friday the average national price for regular gasoline was $3.32 per gallon. This is up 11% since a week ago, and is the highest level since September 2024. Diesel prices were $4.33 per gallon, up 15% in a week, and the highest they have been since November 2023. The Midwest and South have felt the pinch since the war in Iran began. According to the fuel tracking website GasBuddy, in Georgia, an important swing state, retail gasoline prices have risen by 40.1 cents per gallon on average over the last week. Andrenna McDaniel is a healthcare insurance employee in South Fulton. She was surprised at the price increase. She said, "They jumped so quickly" on Friday. She added that she doesn't agree with war in any way. McDaniel is a Democrat who said she only drives for the most important of things. She feels lucky that she can work from home and not drive as much. Georgia voted Donald Trump for the 2024 elections. Richard Soule, 69 years old, a U.S. Air Force vet and retired firefighter said that Trump's efforts in protecting America are worth a little discomfort at the gas pump. Soule, who was filling up his Ford F-150 in Marietta, Georgia, said that he believed President Trump did the right thing. In Indiana and West Virginia, prices have risen by 44 cents each. Prices may rise further Analysts say that as oil prices continue their upward trend, more pain could be in store. U.S. Oil Futures closed Friday at $90.90 per barrel, an increase of nearly $10, and the largest single-day gain since April 2020. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan stated that if the price of oil continues to rise and supply disruptions continue, then the national average gasoline price could reach $3.50-$3.70 per gallon. The disruptions that have occurred in the Middle East, and in the Strait of Hormuz - a major trade route - has boosted the demand for U.S. crude oil overseas, which, in turn, has pushed up the prices of domestic refiners. Denton Cinquegrana is the chief oil analyst at OPIS. He says that although "the U.S. no longer relies on Middle Eastern crude", Asian and European refineries still do. This is what you are seeing on the spot market because demand for U.S. oil exports has increased, which in turn has led to a price increase. Seasonal factors may add to the pressure. Gasoline prices usually 'go up in spring and peak in summer due to increased gasoline demand and production summer-blend gas, which is more expensive to produce. Diesel fuel prices have risen even more since Iran retaliated against U.S.-Israeli?strikes and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The global diesel inventory?has remained tight due to the heavy demand for heating, power generation and other uses during a prolonged winter?in the U.S. Analysts said that sticker prices for everything from furniture to food go up as diesel costs increase. The fuel is used primarily in freight transportation, manufacturing and agriculture, along with global shipping. Cinquegrana stated that "in a world dominated by 'affordability,' this is not going to help."
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Due to Middle East tension, Pakistan increases retail fuel prices by around 20%
Pakistan raised prices for petrol and diesel by?about 20% on Friday, citing a rise in oil prices due to the conflict in Iran. In a video message broadcast on television, Ali Pervaiz Malik, the Petroleum Minister announced an increase of 55 rupees ($0.20 per liter) for diesel and petrol to 321.17 rupiahs. The minister stated that the sharp rise in global petroleum prices forced them to make this decision. This decision will likely lead to higher inflation in Pakistan and affect the country's poor population. Fuel stations in major cities such as Lahore and Karachi were crowded with people before the announcement. Imran Hussain, a business owner from Lahore, said that he was waiting at the station to be ready in case there were any shortages. "I've been waiting for my turn in the last 70 minute," he said. Shehbaz sharif, the prime minister, warned on Friday against fuel hoarding. We have enough petrol. We are planning to extend them because we do not know when the Middle East crisis will end," said Minister. Through the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan imports oil primarily from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The oil minister announced that the government would reassess its prices every week. (Reporting and editing by Cynthia Osterman; Mubasher Bukhari)
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US Senator Kelly proposes suspension of federal gas tax until October 1.
Democratic U.S. Mark Kelly, a senator from the U.S. Senate, proposed to suspend the federal 18.4 cents per gallon gasoline tax until October 1, in an effort to 'help Americans facing rising?prices at the pump because of the U.S. AAA, an American travel agency that tracks fuel costs, reports a 35-cent increase in gas prices per gallon, to $3.32 on average, over the last week. According to political analysts, a persistent rise in gas prices may hurt the fellow Republicans of President Donald Trump in November's midterm elections. Kelly's proposal is a piece of legislation that will be introduced to the Senate in the next few days. If passed, the legislation would direct the U.S. Treasury Department monitor the suspension of the tax in order to ensure that the savings are passed onto consumers through lower gas prices. Kelly stated that the suspension of federal gas tax will help to bring down prices and provide families with much-needed relief. The White House didn't immediately respond to an inquiry for comment. Trump said in an interview with CNN on Thursday that he was not worried about the rising U.S. gas prices related to the conflict. He added, "if they increase, they will rise." This week, it was reported that the Trump administration is considering measures to combat rising energy prices in light of the war. U.S. officials are racing to reduce the economic and political impact of fuel price increases. The price of U.S. crude oil has risen 35% since the conflict with?Iran began on February 28. Middle East supplies have been disrupted by the expanding conflict. Then-President Joe Biden requested in 2022 that the federal gasoline tax be suspended for three months to combat the record-high prices related to COVID, but Congress did not act. In 2022, five states, including Georgia and New York, temporarily suspended their state gas taxes.
Trump says he doesn't need Britain's help to win the Iran war
Donald Trump stated on Saturday that Britain was "seriously considering" sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. He added, however, that the United States would not be sending any. The United States does not need these aircraft carriers to win the war against Iran in the latest conflict between military allies.
Trump has repeatedly criticized British Prime Minister Keir starmer, suggesting that he "ruined" the historically close relationship between the two countries after London refused to allow the U.S. The initial use of British base to attack Iran was criticised by Trump.
Trump wrote on?Truth Social that he would "remember" the British lack of support during the conflict?with Iran.
Trump said, "The United Kingdom is seriously considering sending two aircraft carriers into the Middle East, perhaps the Greatest Ally of all."
We don't have to worry about them anymore, but we'll remember. We don't want people who join Wars after they've already won!
The British Ministry of Defence announced on Saturday that it was preparing Prince of Wales aircraft carrier for a possible deployment.
A British official confirmed that no decision had been made about the deployment of the aircraft carrier in the Middle East.
Starmer has defended Starmer's decision to not allow U.S. forces to use British bases in order support initial strikes on Iran, saying he needed to be satisfied that any military action was legal and well planned. Starmer has defended his decision not to allow?U.S. forces to use British base to support initial attacks on Iran.
He later granted U.S. troops permission to use British base for defensive strikes against what he called?Iranian?missiles in storage or?launchers.
Starmer criticised Trump's desire to purchase Greenland earlier this year and called his remarks that European troops avoided the frontline of combat in Afghanistan "truly appalling."
(source: Reuters)