Trump extends ceasefire with Iran, maintains port blockade
via Business News4 min read
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, an extension of the ceasefire with Iran "until further notice," stating his intention to allow Tehran more time to present a proposal to resolve the crisis. Concurrently, the White House confirmed the continued blockade of Iranian ports, framing it as leverage in ongoing negotiations. Trump indicated on Truth Social that the truce would remain in effect until Iran submits an acceptable offer to "end the conflict." The American agenda was adjusted at the last minute, with Vice President J.D. Vance's planned trip to Pakistan for discussions involving Iran being canceled for the day. A White House official told Reuters that this cancellation is due to awaiting a formal proposal from Tehran, deemed a prerequisite for diplomatic progress. Despite de-escalation announcements, tensions remain high, with the Israeli army reporting a strike on a Hezbollah position in southern Lebanon following rocket fire targeting its soldiers.
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A widely shared Facebook post claiming Tunisia has begun construction on its first nuclear power plant, set to be operational by 2027, is false. The post asserted that the plant would ensure energy self-sufficiency, end power outages, and allow electricity exports to African and European countries, with the project supposedly executed by Tunisian and Algerian expertise. However, the information lacks any supporting evidence such as official documents, decrees, tenders, feasibility studies, or financing contracts. Building such an infrastructure requires years of preparation, a specific legal framework, safety assessments, and cooperation with relevant international bodies. Research also found no communication from the International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA announcing a nuclear power plant construction program in Tunisia, although Tunisia is a member and cooperates with the agency on peaceful nuclear applications in health, agriculture, and research. The Facebook post originated from a page known for satirical and humorous content, primarily focused on Tunisian political news, which often uses irony and exaggeration. Despite its satirical nature, some internet users interpreted the post literally, leading to the spread of erroneous information. Many online reactions mocked the claim, highlighting the absence of official communication and ridiculing the promise of Tunisia becoming an electricity exporter by 2027. There is no official confirmation from Tunisian authorities or t
The family of Chawki Tabib, former President of the National Anti-Corruption Authority Inlucc, issued a new appeal to authorities on the night of July 20-21, 2026, requesting that he receive prescribed medical care in prison. Following a visit from his lawyer, Me Moufida Belghuith, Tabib's relatives reported that his morale remains high despite difficult conditions, including intense heat. However, they expressed serious concern about his medical follow-up. Tabib, who suffers from osteoarthritis, was examined by a rheumatologist, and a treatment was prescribed. Yet, the prison administration reportedly stated they never received the prescription, despite it being sent directly to the relevant services. Consequently, the treatment has not been administered. The family also noted the absence of a recommended orthopedic cushion, suggesting that requests for accommodations related to his health are sometimes perceived as "privileges." They emphasized that Tabib has several chronic illnesses, including diabetes and osteoarthritis, requiring regular medical monitoring and access to prescribed treatments, asserting this is a fundamental right to health and dignity for those deprived of liberty. Chawki Tabib himself has written to the prison administration to request the execution of his medical prescriptions. His family urges competent authorities to ensure his effective access to care, in compliance with legal and humanitarian obligations, stating that "the time of indifference mus
Elyes Ben Ammar, a member of the General Federation of Electricity and Gas within the Tunisian General Labour Union UGTT, attributes Tunisia's ongoing electricity outages to insufficient production capacity rather than solely to the exceptional heatwave or technical failures. Speaking on Jawhara FM, Ben Ammar acknowledged an "electricity supply crisis" and described the national grid's situation as "difficult." He stated that production capacity has not kept pace with consumption demand, identifying this as the primary reason for current difficulties. While not denying the role of heat-related incidents, he believes they do not fully explain the extent of the disruptions. Ben Ammar noted that the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg had previously cited a significant increase in consumption, particularly from air conditioning, during the heatwave, with available production capacity around 5,000 megawatts. He emphasized that the current situation is the culmination of several years of accumulated challenges and poor energy policy choices, not just a single year's issues. Ben Ammar mentioned that Steg had warned about this risk since 2020, with stronger warnings in 2024 regarding potential difficulties in 2026. He criticized national energy policy decisions, stating that Steg is not the sole decision-maker and that strategic orientations also involve supervisory authorities. He also highlighted the insufficient development of new renewable energy production capacities, not