Middle East developments ahead of ceasefire expiration, European markets fall
via Le Matin4 min read
The two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire on Tuesday at 23:50 GMT, according to Pakistan's Minister of Information, Attaullah Tarar. Pakistan, acting as a mediator, emphasized the "essential" importance of Iran deciding to participate in negotiations with the United States in Islamabad before the truce ends. European stock markets closed lower on Tuesday, with Paris, London, Frankfurt, and Milan all seeing declines, as uncertain peace prospects in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Meanwhile, an NGO reported that Iranian authorities have arrested over 3,600 people on war-related charges, with the actual number likely higher due to internet restrictions. Lebanon announced that the recent conflict between Israel and the pro-Iranian movement Hezbollah resulted in 2,454 deaths and 7,658 injuries since March 2. The Pakistani government is still awaiting Iran's official response regarding sending a delegation to Islamabad for further talks with the US. Iran condemned arrests made by the United Arab Emirates, which claimed to have dismantled an Iran-linked "terrorist group." US President Donald Trump called on Iranian leaders to release several women he claimed were threatened with execution, suggesting it would be a "very good start for negotiations." Trump also accused Iran of numerous ceasefire violations but expressed confidence in securing a "great deal." The US Department of Defense stated it had intercepted and inspected a sanction
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TAQA Morocco, primarily known for its energy sector activities, is expanding its societal commitment to address water challenges in Morocco. On World Environment Day, the TAQA Morocco for Community program announced a call for expressions of interest focused on innovation in sustainable and responsible water resource management. This initiative comes as Morocco faces increasing pressure on its water resources due to prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall, and rising demand. Rural areas particularly struggle with access to drinking water, water quality, treatment, and loss reduction. The call for projects seeks practical, field-adapted solutions. Project proponents should propose initiatives to secure access to drinking water in vulnerable areas, improve water treatment and quality, or better manage available resources by limiting losses. The program emphasizes solutions utilizing new technologies, such as sensors, data, and artificial intelligence, to monitor consumption, detect leaks, control water quality, and improve network management in rural territories. The call for expressions of interest is open to Moroccan startups in the seed or development phase, as well as students, doctoral candidates, and young researchers from universities and research centers. Applications can be submitted individually or in groups, allowing for the collaboration of technical, scientific, and entrepreneurial profiles. Two prizes will be awarded: one for startups and another for researchers wi
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