
Iran announced on Saturday that it would resume strict control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, reversing a brief reopening. This decision comes in response to the continued US blockade of Iranian ports and prompted an immediate reaction from Donald Trump, who denounced it as "blackmail." This escalation occurs amidst diplomatic efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict, following a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States that began on April 8. Tehran stated it is reviewing new proposals from Washington but, through its Supreme National Security Council, indicated that no compromise would be accepted. While the US President speaks of a nearing agreement, Iranian authorities maintain a firm stance. Iran announced its intention to control traffic in the Strait of Hormuz until the war ends, retracting its previous day's decision to allow a limited number of commercial vessels to pass. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Saeed Khatibzadeh asserted that the United States cannot impose a siege on Iran. Donald Trump, for his part, rejected any notion of pressure, accusing Tehran of playing a dangerous game. On the ground, the situation remains tense. While some ships passed through the strait during its temporary reopening, others were targeted or threatened by Iranian forces after its renewed closure, according to the British agency UKMTO. Two Indian-flagged vessels were affected, leading to the summoning of the Iranian ambassador in New Delhi. The Revolutionary Gu
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Must ReadThe Alliance for the Republic APR expressed its gratitude to the Senegalese people for the strong mobilization during the return of its president, former President Macky Sall. In a statement, the party's spokesperson pole described the turnout as "spontaneous, warm, and massive," interpreting it as a sign of the population's attachment to the former president. The APR believes this popular support, across all sensitivities, reflects the people's recognition of his achievements and the modernization of Senegal, signifying unity and loyalty to their political family. The party also welcomed the audience granted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to his predecessor, viewing it as a significant gesture for republican dialogue and a step towards consolidating national unity and harmony among political actors. The APR congratulated its officials, activists, and sympathizers for their mobilization and encouraged them to continue their commitment to the populace in a spirit of service, contributing to Senegal's development and international standing. The party aims to leverage this demonstration of support for its leader, who returned to Senegal for the first time since leaving office, as part of his campaign for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Must ReadFormer President Macky Sall expressed gratitude to his supporters in Dakar following his return to Senegal. This message, shared on his social media, aligns with his efforts to secure support for his candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General. After his audience with the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, former head of state Macky Sall thanked the many activists and sympathizers of the Alliance for the Republic APR who welcomed him upon his arrival at L茅opold-S茅dar-Senghor Airport in Dakar. He simply wrote "Thank you!!" on his social media, accompanying his message with several photos showing a large crowd mobilized for his return to Senegal. This trip marked his first visit to the country since leaving power in April 2024.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye has sought an opinion from the Constitutional Council regarding the legal feasibility of holding early legislative elections and local elections concurrently. This move comes as the potential dissolution of the National Assembly by the end of November 2026 appears increasingly likely. According to Article 87 of the Constitution, the head of state can dissolve the National Assembly after consulting the Prime Minister and the President of the Assembly, provided the dissolution does not occur within the first two years of the legislature. With deputies installed following the November 17, 2024 elections, this legal window would open from late November 2026. If the Constitutional Council approves the possibility of combined elections, Senegal could, for the first time, organize early legislative and local elections simultaneously. Territorial elections are currently scheduled before the expiration of local executive mandates in January 2027. Such a scenario would significantly alter the electoral calendar and political dynamics leading up to 2027.