
Iran has reinstated strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of violating an agreement to allow limited passage of tankers and commercial vessels. Tehran stated it had "accepted in good faith to allow the passage of a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships" but claims the US engaged in "piracy under the guise of the so-called blockade." Consequently, the strategic passage is now under Iran's strict control. This announcement comes amidst diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in the Middle East, following a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States that began on April 8. Earlier on Saturday, MarineTraffic showed a slight resumption of commercial traffic in the strait, with over a dozen vessels, including several tankers, though at least two appeared to turn back around 09:00 GMT. A cruise ship, the Celestyal Discovery, also transited the waterway without passengers from Dubai to Muscat, marking a first since hostilities began on February 28. Before the conflict, approximately 120 vessels transited the strait daily. Following Tehran's announcement of the strait's reopening on Friday, Donald Trump affirmed that the US blockade of Iranian ports would remain "fully in effect" until negotiations concluded, and would "continue" if no agreement was reached. The US Central Command stated on X that "since the beginning of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with US forces' directives to turn back and return to Iran." In Iran, the co
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The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water ONEE is accelerating its strategy to adapt to water stress through a climate-resilient drinking water supply program. This major initiative, with a total investment of 50 million euros, is supported by the German development bank KfW and is set to run until June 2030. Its primary goal is to secure drinking water supply amidst recurrent droughts and increasing pressure on resources. The program involves a gradual reorientation of water production, focusing on expanding and diversifying resources, particularly surface water, to reduce reliance on over-exploited groundwater. The aim is to meet current demand, including peak consumption, and anticipate future needs driven by demographic and economic growth, while ensuring service continuity and sanitary quality. The program has two main pillars: the first focuses on new drinking water production projects and improving existing facilities through modernization and optimization; the second is a flexible credit line for smaller, high-impact operational projects. Technical assistance, including a consulting engineering firm, will coordinate, monitor, and supervise projects, covering technical, financial, and environmental aspects, and ensuring compliance with donor standards and integration of environmental and social requirements. Land acquisition is a key focus, with a dedicated system to manage land purchases and prevent delays. This program represents a deeper evolution of Mor
Must ReadInternational organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization, indicate a probable transition to an El Niño climate system between May and July 2026. This phenomenon is known for its role in global climate variability. Strong "Super" El Niño events are typically linked to warmer global temperatures and an increased likelihood of temperature records. During El Niño phases, surface waters in the equatorial Pacific release more heat into the atmosphere, contributing to global temperature increases. However, the effects of El Niño are not uniform across all regions. In Morocco, its influence is partial, indirect, and highly seasonal. It primarily affects southern arid regions like Laâyoune, Dakhla, and Ouarzazate, with less impact in the North and Center. This influence is more noticeable in spring. In winter, when precipitation is crucial, other climatic mechanisms, particularly atmospheric oscillations linked to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean basin, become more dominant. Specialists emphasize that El Niño never acts in isolation; it interacts with other climate systems that can modify or counteract its effects. The diverse configurations of El Niño also lead to varying impacts depending on whether it develops in the eastern or central Pacific. Recent observations highlight this complexity: Morocco experienced significant droughts between 2020 and 2024 despite La Niña conditions, which are generally associated with wetter years. This demonstrates the limitat

Oncorad Group has inaugurated Littoral Clinic Safi and Oceanic Clinic Safi, marking a new phase in its regional expansion. This integrated healthcare facility, designed as a new-generation multidisciplinary center, aims to significantly transform access to care in the Doukkala-Abda region. The 12,000 m² health hub functions as a medical city, housing two complementary entities: Littoral Clinic Safi, specializing in cancer care, and Oceanic Clinic Safi, offering a wide range of medical and surgical specialties. The complex has a total capacity of 113 beds, with 80 for oncology and 33 for the multidisciplinary clinic, making it one of the largest multidisciplinary healthcare units in the region. It also operates as a Smart Hospital, integrating advanced technological solutions to streamline care pathways, enhance patient experience, and promote personalized medicine. The medical offerings include nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and hematology with autograft units, alongside essential disciplines such as pediatrics, gynecology, and intensive care. The operational model combines resident physicians with the Group's expert network, ensuring continuity of care and constant team availability. This integration connects Safi to Oncorad Group's national expertise ecosystem, facilitating specialist coordination. With nearly 200 employees, the facility also serves as a local development driver, boosting the city's healthcare appeal and creating new opportunities in medical and paramedica
Must ReadA study by the Centre for Public Policy Studies CEEPP highlights the significant impact of the Middle East conflict on the Moroccan economy, particularly due to the paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, 2026. This strategic passage, through which 20-25% of global oil and 20% of liquefied gas usually transit, has caused an unprecedented global energy crisis. Morocco, heavily reliant on energy imports, is particularly exposed. The CEEPP study, titled "The Effects of the Fourth Gulf War on the International and Moroccan Economy," was authored by Dr. Hakima El Haite, a member of the United Nations Advisory Council, and Dr. Nabil Adel, a professor-researcher in economics and international relations. It reveals Morocco's structural vulnerability as a net importer of over 90% of its energy needs. The immediate impact is seen in fuel price surges, with gasoline reaching nearly 15 dirhams per liter, exacerbating an already inflationary environment and weakening household purchasing power. The study notes that Morocco has not fully recovered from the 2022 Ukrainian crisis's inflationary pressures. National strategic reserves are estimated to cover only 15 to 31 days, far below the legally mandated 60 days, risking supply disruptions if the conflict prolongs. The study also indicates that macroeconomic assumptions in the 2026 Finance Law, which projected 4.5% growth based on a $65 per barrel oil price, are now obsolete. The CEEPP forecasts a potential 0.4 to 0.8 percentag