馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Oil prices fall amid hopes for Middle East peace negotiations, global markets rally
via Le Matin3 min read
Oil prices have fallen, with Brent crude dropping 7.28% to $101.87 and US WTI down 7.04% to $95.07 per barrel, as prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz emerge. This strait is crucial, handling 20% of the world's oil supply. The decline in oil prices is attributed to hopes for a resolution in the Middle East conflict, despite former President Donald Trump's threat of intensified bombing against Iran if an agreement is not reached. According to Axios, a one-page memorandum of understanding has been drafted to end the war and establish a framework for nuclear negotiations, with the US awaiting Iran's response within 48 hours. ING economist Charlotte de Montpellier noted that sources indicating a near agreement are considered credible by markets, outweighing escalation threats. Daniela Hathorn, an analyst at Capital.com, believes this marks the closest the parties have been to a resolution since the conflict began. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a mediator, expressed optimism that the current dynamics in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to peace. Patrick Munnelly of Tickmill Group stated that hopes for an agreement have moved the market away from extreme scenarios of global crude supply disruption. Trump had previously announced the suspension of his "Freedom Project" for escorting ships in the Strait of Hormuz, citing significant progress toward resuming negotiations. Global stock markets have reacted positively, with European markets, particularly sensitive to e
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Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed, assisted by compatriots Zakaria Brinsi and Mustapha Akerkad, has been appointed by FIFA to officiate the World Cup 2026 group stage match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. South African Tom Abongile will serve as the fourth official, assisted by Zakhele Siwela. This marks the second assignment for the Moroccan trio, who previously officiated the Germany vs. Cura莽ao match. Portugal drew their first match against the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-1, while Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia. The upcoming match is crucial for both Portugal and Uzbekistan's qualification hopes. Notably, an Uzbek referee, Ilgiz Tantashov, recently officiated a match involving Morocco's Atlas Lions against Scotland.
Following Morocco's 1-0 victory over Scotland, coach Mohamed Ouahbi assessed the team's performance in the 2026 World Cup, where they have accumulated four points from two matches against Brazil and Scotland. Ouahbi highlighted the team's collective control and improved offensive intentions compared to their draw against Brazil. He noted that while Scotland played more directly with long balls, Morocco effectively countered their strategy. Despite their strong position, Ouahbi emphasized that qualification is not yet secured and the team's objective is to defeat Haiti in the final group match to ensure qualification and potentially secure first place. He also stated that he would field the best possible team against Haiti, considering player freshness, opponent profile, and match context, rather than systematically rotating the squad. Ouahbi also publicly supported captain Achraf Hakimi, who is facing legal proceedings, stating that Hakimi was focused, motivated the team, and played an excellent match. Ouahbi praised the team's mental fortitude and expressed confidence in their ability to advance to the round of sixteen as group leaders.
Bank Al-Maghrib has issued a warning to all banks regarding a global surge in cybercrime campaigns exploiting public interest in the 2026 World Cup. The central bank notes that these threats include the distribution of malware via fake applications or match streaming platforms, as well as phishing campaigns designed to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials and banking details. Bank Al-Maghrib urges banks to enhance customer awareness efforts and emphasize key vigilance rules. These include exercising caution before installing match-streaming applications, avoiding links received via email, SMS, or social media that offer broadcasts or promotional deals, verifying website authenticity before entering personal or banking data, and immediately reporting any suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions to the bank. The central bank also instructs banking institutions to relay these vigilance messages to their customers through appropriate communication channels.