Iran and United States to begin negotiations in Switzerland on nuclear program and Lebanon ceasefire
via Le Matin2 min read
Negotiations between Iran and the United States are set to commence in Switzerland, focusing on Iran's nuclear program and a ceasefire in Lebanon. The talks, scheduled for a renewable 60-day period, face challenges including continued fighting in Lebanon despite an existing framework agreement for a cessation of hostilities, and Iran's announcement of a new closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli strikes in eastern and southern Lebanon on Saturday resulted in at least 30 deaths before an Israeli army order to cease confrontations with pro-Iranian Hezbollah. The US delegation is led by US Vice President JD Vance, and the Iranian delegation by Iranian Parliament President Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Other Iranian delegates include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati. Mediating countries, Pakistan and Qatar, are also present. JD Vance stated that the discussions are expected to last "a few days," and expressed hope for progress on both the nuclear issue and the Lebanon ceasefire. Emissary Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are also in Switzerland. The talks aim to achieve a final agreement to end the Middle East conflict, which began with Israeli-American strikes on Iran on February 28, causing thousands of deaths primarily in Iran and Lebanon, and impacting the global economy.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
Bank Al-Maghrib has issued a warning to all banks regarding a global surge in cybercrime campaigns exploiting public interest in the 2026 World Cup. The central bank notes that these threats include the distribution of malware via fake applications or match streaming platforms, as well as phishing campaigns designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials and banking details. Bank Al-Maghrib urges banks to enhance customer awareness efforts and emphasize key vigilance rules. These include exercising caution before installing match-streaming applications, avoiding links received via email, SMS, or social media that offer broadcasts or promotional deals, verifying website authenticity before entering personal or banking data, and immediately reporting any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to the bank. The central bank also instructs banking institutions to relay these vigilance messages to their customers through appropriate communication channels.
The Grand Marrakech region will begin receiving desalinated water from Safi by the end of July, a project led by the Soci茅t茅 r茅gionale multiservices SRM of Marrakech-Safi. This initiative aims to bolster Marrakech's drinking water supply, addressing increasing pressure on water resources and climate change impacts. The project aligns with the directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to ensure the Kingdom's water security and expand the use of non-conventional water sources like desalination.The infrastructure will transfer 3.2 cubic meters per second, or nearly 100 million cubic meters of desalinated water annually, produced by the OCP Group's desalination plant in Safi. This will be transported to Grand Marrakech via a 185.3-kilometer steel pipeline network. With a total cost of 4.2 billion dirhams, funded by the state budget and the Ministry of Interior, the project responds to rising water demand due to population growth and economic development in Marrakech, a major tourist destination.Marrakech-Safi has faced severe water stress for years due to recurrent droughts. Mohamed Meziani, provincial director of SRM Marrakech-Safi in Safi and director of the transfer project, stated that this is one of the most significant national projects for securing drinking water. Desalinated water will be pumped from Safi through three stations and delivered to the main RamRam reservoir, north of Marrakech, with a 10,000 cubic meter capacity. The project includes 185.3 kilometers of main
Germany has secured a spot in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, a first since their 2014 victory. After being eliminated in the group stage in 2018 and 2022, Julian Nagelsmann's team defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto. Ivory Coast initially led with a goal from Franck Kessi茅 in the 30th minute. However, Germany turned the game around in the second half with Deniz Undav scoring an equalizer in the 68th minute and the winning goal in stoppage time 90+4. This victory ensures Germany finishes first in Group E. In the same group, Ecuador and Cura莽ao drew 0-0, earning Cura莽ao its first World Cup point. Meanwhile, Tunisia has been eliminated from the tournament after suffering a second consecutive defeat. Following a 5-1 loss to Sweden, the Carthage Eagles were beaten 4-0 by Japan. The appointment of Herv茅 Renard as coach, four days after Sabri Lamouchi's dismissal, did not yield the desired impact. Tunisia displayed significant defensive weaknesses against Japan, with Ayase Ueda scoring twice. This 1,000th World Cup match in history will be a bitter memory for the Tunisian team. In Group F, the Netherlands and Japan are nearing the round of 16. The Netherlands delivered a strong offensive performance, defeating Sweden 5-1, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scoring two goals, and Crysencio Summerville adding a fifth. Both the Netherlands and Japan have four points, with the Netherlands leading the group due to a better attack. Sunday's matches will feature Spain, who drew 0-0 wi