Iran closes Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, talks on Middle East conflict continue
via Business News3 min read
Iran announced on Saturday, June 20, 2026, the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for deadly Israeli attacks in Lebanon. This action was described by the Iranian army's central command as a "first measure in response to the enemy's violation of commitments," with threats of "other measures" if necessary. Despite this, discussions aimed at a definitive agreement to end the Middle East conflict are set to begin in Switzerland on Sunday. The US Central Command Centcom stated that its forces remain vigilant and that 55 merchant ships safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. Iran had previously closed this waterway at the start of the war, which led to a surge in oil prices and shortages, as it handles approximately 20% of global hydrocarbons. Reopening the Strait was a key point in the Iranian-American memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday, which also stipulated an end to hostilities across all theaters, including Lebanon. However, despite this agreement and a new ceasefire announcement on Friday, Israel and Hezbollah have been clashing for two days in southern Lebanon. Israeli operations resulted in at least 24 deaths on Saturday and 83 the day before. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported 4,057 deaths since Israeli attacks began on March 2. Israel claims to be targeting Hezbollah positions in response to attacks on its troops, with the Israeli army reporting "more than 50 projectiles" fired by Hezbollah against its soldiers overnight
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Tunisia's Ministry of Health plans to significantly enhance its addiction treatment infrastructure by creating a national network of five specialized centers. This initiative comes in response to the increasing prevalence of drug and psychoactive substance use in the country. Nabil Ben Salah, the ministry's head of addiction affairs, announced the plan during a scientific day on addictology on June 20, 2026. The network will include the existing "Al Amal" center in Jebel Oust, a rehabilitated center in Sfax, and three new facilities in Dougga, Monastir, and potentially Tozeur in the south. The goal is to provide more accessible care, especially as new psychoactive substances are regularly seized by authorities. Additionally, the ministry aims to strengthen specialized addictology consultations, with 18 already operational and plans for each governorate to have one or two dedicated consultations by the end of the year. A national study on addictions will be conducted between 2026 and 2027 among Tunisians aged 15 to 65 to accurately assess the situation and inform public policy. Previous studies from 2013, 2017, and 2021 showed a fourfold increase in cannabis and narcotic pill use among adolescents aged 15 to 17 over eight years, with narcotic pill use being higher among girls. Psychiatrist Rabiha Che茂hani highlighted the lack of a comprehensive national strategy to combat addictions, noting that the Jebel Oust center is currently the only active specialized facility and lacks
Donald Trump reignited his dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on June 20, 2026, reiterating accusations on Truth Social. Trump claimed Meloni "again and again" requested a photo with him at the G7 summit in 脡vian, France, and suggested her popularity is declining because she "turned her back on the United States" by not supporting its policy against Iran's nuclear ambitions. He also stated Italy denied the U.S. use of its landing strips, calling it a "great logistical inconvenience" despite Washington's spending to protect NATO allies. Trump further alleged that after a U.S. military victory against Iran, Meloni now seeks to reconcile with him, which he rejected. This follows Meloni's Friday statements on Italian channel La7, where she called Trump's previous remarks "totally invented" and expressed astonishment at his behavior toward an ally. She noted it wasn't the first time he acted this way and that he is "much more conciliatory" toward Western adversaries, concluding that "neither I nor Italy ever beg anyone." The controversy led Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani to cancel his June 21-22 trip to the United States, with several government members supporting Meloni.
During the appeal hearing for Saadia Mosbah and other Mnemty association leaders on Friday, June 19, 2026, Deputy Thabet El Abed attended for nearly three hours and subsequently stated his belief that the case primarily involves accounting, tax, and administrative issues, not matters warranting years of imprisonment. El Abed, a member of the Assembly of People's Representatives, shared his observations after listening to the proceedings, which focused on Mnemty's activities, foreign funding, administrative authorizations, bank accounts, projects, and tax obligations. Saadia Mosbah explained that the association's funding came from the European Union and known international organizations, transiting through official banking channels. She also addressed a question about the absence of funding from Arab or Maghreb countries, stating that anti-racism efforts generally receive little interest and funding in the Arab region. Mosbah indicated that Mnemty received approximately 300,000 dinars over ten years, averaging about 2,500 dinars per month. Regarding illegal enrichment allegations, she stated she does not own a home and is still repaying her vehicle, suggesting her financial situation does not reflect accumulated wealth. While not defending the accused or challenging the judiciary, El Abed concluded that the core debate concerned accounting, fiscal, and administrative matters. He added that while such irregularities might incur legal responsibility, they do not justify severe