31 March 2026
Iran
President Trump stated that if countries need oil from the Strait of Hormuz, they “should go in and just take it.” This was part of a longer rant that none of the US allies are helping the US open the Strait of Hormuz.
France closed its airspace to US military supplies bound for Israel. This occurred during the weekend, and there has been no word from the French president or the French foreign ministry. There are also reports that Italy has denied permission for US military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before they are bound for the Middle East.
Iran hit a Kuwait oil tanker in a drone attack at Dubai port. The fire on the Al Salmi tanker has been extinguished, and all crew are safe, but the tanker was fully loaded at the time of the drone attack. The supertanker was carrying more than 2 million barrels of oil.
The average price of gasoline per gallon in the United States has reached $4.02 – a $1.04 increase since the war began.
Industry groups continue to urge Gulf states to assist the 20,000 stranded crew members by closing the Strait of Hormuz. The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) held discussions with the Gulf states, and the Gulf states signalled support for expanded logistical assistance, including provisions for vessels unable to depart the region and flexibility on crew changes.
Serbia
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), along with its allies, swept all 10 municipalities that held local elections on March 29, in an election marked by high turnout, violence, and allegations of interference. Independent observers and opposition groups have reported numerous irregularities, intimidation near polling stations, violent clashes, physical attacks on journalists, and election monitors. Involving fewer than 250,000 voters, the elections were nonetheless treated as a key political test ahead of national elections expected by 2027.
Canada
The Canadian federal government earmarked $1.5 billion for its new Husky tanker fleet. Canada is acquiring nine CC-330 Husky tanker and transport aircraft — four brand-new, five used — to replace the aging CC-150 Polaris.
Russia
Russian authorities are cracking down on virtual private networks, or VPNs. VPNs are used to mask your IP address. Russia has been cracking down on social media apps and attempting to steer the Russian people to adopt a Kremlin-built social media app. It is believed that the government is trying to create a digital iron curtain to curtail mass disaffection and protests.
Ukrainian drones have hit the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga for the fourth time in a week. This is one of Russia’s main oil export hubs. This is an attempt to prevent Russia from gaining additional funds from the heightened oil prices due to the war in Iran. Zelensky claims that allies asked him to scale back attacks on Russian oil infrastructure.
Russia rebuffed the Ukrainian proposal for an Easter truce. The Easter holiday takes place on 12 April this year in the Orthodox calendar.
Mali
The Malian army is denying that it released around 200 suspected jihadists in mid-March in order to secure the end of attacks on fuel convoys. It was originally reported that the number was 100, but a Malian security source and local elected representative later claimed it was 200. It is not an end to the fuel convoy attacks anyway, as the truce on those attacks will remain until the major Muslim festival of Tabaski, which takes place at the end of May.
South Korea
An employee of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) and two active-duty military officers were referred to the prosecution concerning the drone flights over North Korea. They are accused of helping a 30-something graduate student fly drones into North Korea from September to January, which prompted anger from the regime.
Social Media Wires
US hits Isfahan missile storage complex with bunker-busting bombs
Footage of the Ukrainian strikes on the Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga
Featured Photo: “Russian troops in northeastern Ukraine – February 2023”, Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.