Iran reasserts control over Strait of Hormuz amid US blockade
via Le Matin3 min read
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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Jorge Vilda has unveiled the 26-player squad for the Atlas Lionesses ahead of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026, which Morocco will host. The team aims to secure their first continental title after reaching two consecutive finals. Key players like captain Ghizlane Chebbak, goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi, Fatima Tagnaout, Ibtissam Jraidi, and Najat Badri are included. This edition marks the third consecutive time Morocco has hosted the tournament, and it will feature an expanded format of 16 teams, up from 12 in previous editions. Morocco is in Group A, alongside Senegal, Algeria, and Kenya. Having been finalists in 2022 against South Africa and in 2025 against Nigeria, the Atlas Lionesses are determined to win the title on home soil. The full squad includes goalkeepers Khadija Er-Rmichi, In猫s Arouaissa, and Fatima-Zahra El Jebraoui; defenders Hanane A茂t El Haj, Zineb Redouani, Aziza Rabbah, Siham Boukhami, Rania Boutiebi, Nouhaila Benzina, Meryem Atiq, and Nesryne El Chad; midfielders Ghizlane Chebbak, Najat Badri, 脡lodie Nakkach, Yasmine M鈥橰abet, Soumia Hady, and Hajar Sa茂d; and forwards Fatima Tagnaout, Ibtissam Jraidi, Sanaa Mssoudy, Sakina Ouzraoui, Imane Saoud, Kenza Chapelle, Jade Nassi, Kautar Azraf, and Chaimaa Mourtaji.
Morocco has been selected to host the 5th edition of the African Slam Poetry Cup CASP in 2027. The organizing committee officially announced the decision after evaluating applications from various candidate countries. This selection recognizes the efforts of the SLAM'AROC Association in promoting slam poetry and cultural exchange across Africa. The CASP organizing committee, along with jury members, has been reviewing applications since January 2025. The SLAM'AROC Association has been involved with the African Slam Poetry Cup network since 2018, working to foster artistic exchange, facilitate artist mobility, and establish slam as a platform for dialogue among African peoples. The African Slam Poetry Cup is a significant event for slam poetry on the continent, bringing together artists from numerous African countries for competitions, performances, workshops, professional meetings, and cultural activities for diverse audiences. The 2027 edition will be organized by SLAM'AROC in collaboration with the Koun Aktif Association. Organizers aim to create a major cultural event showcasing the diversity of African artistic expressions, celebrating dialogue between languages, cultures, narratives, and poetry. Slam is presented as a tool for creation, transmission, citizenship, and fostering connections between people. The CASP president emphasized that the competition aligns with a pan-African approach focused on cooperation and synergy of African artistic talents, aiming to enhance t
Stellantis officially launched the production of the Fiat Fastback and Grizzly models at its K茅nitra plant in Morocco on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. These new vehicles represent a new generation of cars assembled in Morocco, as they are the first locally manufactured models to utilize the Smart Car platform. This architecture is designed to accommodate various motorizations and will be deployed across different markets in the Africa and Middle East region. The Fastback, a dynamic SUV coupe-inspired model, and the Grizzly, which emphasizes space and modularity for families, will both be offered with thermal, hybrid, and electric powertrains, depending on the specific markets. Their commercial launch is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. The decision to produce these vehicles in K茅nitra underscores the Moroccan site's growing importance in Stellantis's industrial strategy. The plant is evolving beyond compact vehicle assembly to become a global platform for future group models. The K茅nitra complex now integrates vehicle assembly, engine production, and micromobility activities, making it one of Stellantis's most comprehensive industrial hubs in the region. This expansion is supported by a progressive strengthening of the local ecosystem, with Stellantis aiming for a 75% integration rate by 2030 through an expanded network of Moroccan suppliers and new industrial partners. For Stellantis, this initiative aims to shorten supply chains, enhance industrial competitiv