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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The resignation of Hassen Jarboui from the presidency of the Committee on Agriculture, Food Security, and Water may not be an isolated incident. Following this announcement, committee members are now openly discussing suspending their activities, or even a collective resignation. On Friday, June 5, 2026, Deputy Taher Ben Mansour, a committee member, severely criticized the situation on Diwan FM. While not speaking officially for the committee, he stated he shared the sentiment that led Hassen Jarboui to resign. He summarized that "things were not going well," specifically pointing to increasingly complicated relations between the committee and the Ministry of Agriculture. According to the deputy, the Ministry of Agriculture has not held any meetings with the committee since the examination of the finance law. The few meetings that occurred were led by general directors rather than the minister himself. Taher Ben Mansour noted this situation comes as the agricultural sector faces a series of crises, including rising vegetable prices, difficulties in the olive oil sector, problems in the date sector, tensions over sheep supply for Eid, fishing difficulties, and water scarcity. He recalled that the committee conducted numerous field visits, from Béja to southern Tunisia, as well as hearings and meetings on various agricultural sectors. These efforts, he said, led to no concrete progress due to a lack of interaction with the executive. Beyond the agricultural sector, the deputy d
Must ReadThe Ministry of Interior announced on Friday, June 5, 2026, the arrest of individuals seen in a widely circulated video depicting the assault of a Sub-Saharan woman. Security services identified and apprehended those involved following investigations, despite no formal complaint being filed. The ministry stated that initial findings suggest the video is not recent, with the events dating back five years and the footage being disseminated simultaneously from two different continents. Investigations are ongoing to uncover all circumstances surrounding the case and the reasons for the video's recent distribution, given the age of the incident. The viral video, which emerged on Thursday, showed several individuals sexually assaulting a Sub-Saharan woman in front of her husband, sparking outrage among internet users and human rights organizations. The Ministry of Interior is continuing its investigations to determine all aspects of the case and mentioned "attempts at distortion and instrumentalization" accompanying the video's release. The ministry reaffirmed the state's commitment to guaranteeing "the rights and dignity of every person on Tunisian territory" and enforcing the law against offenders. It also reiterated its dedication to a "humanitarian approach" in managing migration, emphasizing its desire to facilitate the voluntary return of irregular migrants to their home countries "under the best conditions."
Must ReadTunisian journalist Khaoula Boukrim announced on Friday, June 5, 2026, that she has been informed of her referral to justice under anti-terrorism legislation and the initiation of legal proceedings against her. In a social media post, she stated she received a notification indicating an investigation is being conducted against her based on the law relating to the fight against terrorism. At this stage, she claims to have no specific details regarding the accusations. Boukrim, founder of the online media outlet TuMedia, which specializes in covering Tunisian political news and is known for its stances in favor of public freedoms and prisoners of conscience, believes she is being targeted due to her journalistic work and investigations. In her message, the journalist denounces what she considers a new step in the repression targeting critical voices. She recalls being forced to leave Tunisia several months ago, leaving behind her mother and relatives. This announcement comes in a particular context. Over the past week, a security unit visited her mother's home, according to information reported by the journalist. She interprets this episode as an additional sign of the pressure exerted against her. Khaoula Boukrim affirms her refusal to be silenced despite the legal proceedings initiated against her. She asserts that she will continue her journalistic activities and public stances, believing that the accusations against her are part of a broader climate of restricting freedoms.
Must ReadNine students were imprisoned on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Siliana after being caught cheating during baccalaureate exams. The students, aged 18 to 19, were found with earpieces used to receive answers during an exam at a center in the Bou Arada delegation. The public prosecutor's office at the Siliana Court of First Instance ordered their detention based on penal provisions related to exam fraud. This incident has sparked debate regarding the proportionality of sanctions and the increasing use of detention for offenses previously handled through disciplinary measures. This is not an isolated case; on Wednesday, June 3, four detention orders were issued in Tunis in a case involving the sale of cheating devices for national exams, implicating a teacher, a student, and two other students. Authorities appear to be adopting a stricter approach to academic fraud, especially with the proliferation of miniaturized electronic devices. While the need to protect the credibility of the baccalaureate is widely accepted, the severity of the repression is questioned. Tunisian law already imposes severe disciplinary sanctions, including exam cancellation and multi-year bans from national exams, which can have lasting consequences for young people. The addition of criminal proceedings and pre-trial detention fundamentally changes the response, treating students as delinquents rather than merely sanctioning academic misconduct. The legal framework used dates back to 1941, under the French prot