
Tensions remain high in the Middle East despite a fragile truce between Iran and the United States. A senior Iranian parliamentary official announced that Tehran has received its first revenues from transit fees imposed in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. This comes as the conflict over the strait, a vital maritime passage for global oil trade, continues to fuel international concerns. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards also stated they seized two ships attempting to cross the strait, with Panama confirming the seizure of one of its flagged vessels, the MSC Francesca. The US military's Centcom reported ordering 31 ships to turn back or return to port as part of its blockade against Iran, with most complying. The Pentagon reportedly estimated that clearing the Strait of Hormuz could take up to six months, potentially impacting global hydrocarbon prices, though a Pentagon spokesperson called this information "inaccurate." Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz as long as the US blockade of Iranian ports continues. Meanwhile, oil prices briefly surged over 4% before moderating, driven by uncertainties surrounding Iran-US talks and the ongoing paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz. In other developments, an emissary for Donald Trump suggested to the Financial Times that Italy replace Iran in the upcoming World Cup, citing the war's impact on Iranian participation, a scenario he confirmed proposing to the US President and FIFA Presid
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Following her announcement to retire from music, Abiba has taken further steps to confirm her career change by deleting all her music videos from online platforms and closing her YouTube channel. For several months, the former artist has been seen publicly wearing a hijab, indicating a more pronounced practice of her Muslim faith. This transformation is part of a personal journey, as she aims to live a life more in line with her religious convictions. By distancing herself from the music industry, Abiba is dedicating herself to her spirituality and adopting a lifestyle consistent with her chosen principles. This decision, widely discussed on social media, marks a new phase in her life, signaling a definitive end to her artistic career and the beginning of a new chapter.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye's election to lead the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS marks a new phase for Senegalese diplomacy. This presidency offers Dakar an opportunity to regain a leading role within the sub-regional organization, especially as ECOWAS faces one of its most severe crises. Dr. Omar Saliou L么, an expert in international relations and diplomacy who worked at ECOWAS for over a decade, stated that this election was not a surprise. He explained that the organization's presidency follows a rotation principle among member states. According to Dr. L么, the position was due to Senegal even before Sierra Leone. He noted that while it was Senegal's turn, Bassirou Diomaye Faye had just come to power and lacked the diplomatic experience needed to lead an organization dealing with a major crisis, particularly with the Alliance of Sahel States AES countries threatening to leave ECOWAS. Therefore, Dr. L么 believes this designation is not solely a result of recent Senegalese diplomatic initiatives, as it was already known that Senegal was slated for this presidency.

Ousmane Sonko, who joined Pastef in 2015, has announced his resignation from the Pastef Les Patriotes party. He held several positions, including national vice-coordinator of the JPS for political and militant life, coordinator of the JPS for the Mbour department, general secretary of Pastef Malicounda, general treasurer of JPS Malicounda, and head of the Pastef cell in Pointe Sar猫ne. He cited a decline in militant spirit and a shift towards political competition, stating he no longer recognizes the party he joined. Sonko mentioned 11 years of commitment marked by arrests, injuries, exile, and intimidation. He expressed gratitude to Pastef President Ousmane Sonko and Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye, affirming his desire to continue serving the general interest and hoping that Senegal's superior interest always prevails over partisan considerations.