
Negotiations between Iran and the United States, aimed at resolving the conflict in the Middle East, have been postponed indefinitely, according to the Swiss government. The talks, which were scheduled to begin on June 19, 2026, in Switzerland, were called off hours after the cancellation of US Vice President JD Vance's trip to Europe. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the postponement of discussions involving the United States, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan, stating that preparatory work continues and Switzerland remains ready to facilitate future talks. The uncertainty surrounding the discussions arose after the framework agreement to end the conflict, initiated on February 28 by the United States and Israel, was signed electronically by Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei approved the agreement despite reservations, emphasizing that future face-to-face negotiations do not imply acceptance of the "enemy's point of view." The negotiations were expected to focus on Iran's nuclear program and were planned for a luxury hotel in B眉rgenstock. The White House announced that logistical challenges prevented Vice President Vance from departing, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator, also postponed his arrival. Following the agreement, traffic resumed in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil trade route, after the US blockade was lifted. Iranian state television reported that
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Must ReadOn Friday, June 19, 2026, the criminal chamber specializing in financial corruption cases at the Tunis Court of First Instance delivered its verdict in a corruption case involving the Gafsa Phosphate Company CPG. A total of 23 defendants received prison sentences ranging from five to twelve years, along with fines. Among those convicted were a former CEO of CPG and a former Minister of Energy and Mines. The accused were prosecuted for abuse of office to obtain undue advantage for themselves or others, causing prejudice to the administration, violating current regulations, complicity in these acts, and money laundering. Following deliberations, the court imposed prison sentences between five and twelve years, in addition to financial penalties, against the convicted individuals.

The Sfax seawater desalination plant was officially inaugurated on Thursday, June 18, 2026, by the Minister of Agriculture, Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh. This facility, developed through a Tunisian-Japanese partnership, has an initial production capacity of 100,000 cubic meters per day, which can be expanded to 250,000 cubic meters per day. It aims to enhance the sustainable supply of drinking water to several regions, including Sfax and coastal areas, benefiting an estimated five million people. The Minister emphasized the strategic importance of the Sfax desalination plant as a benchmark project in the national policy for diversifying water resources. He stated that it will reduce reliance on conventional resources, which are significantly impacted by successive droughts, and improve the resilience of the national drinking water supply system. The plant is also expected to contribute to water supply stability in the affected regions, especially during peak summer water demand, thereby improving citizens' living conditions and supporting local economic activities.

Chiraz Jaziri, a secondary school teacher, was sentenced to a ten-month suspended prison term by the Tunis Court of First Instance on June 17, 2026. The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the Ministry of Education after Jaziri posted a video on social media alleging a leak of the philosophy exam for the baccalaureate. Her publication caused controversy and confusion among students and parents. Investigations by security and judicial authorities found no actual leak, contradicting her claims. Consequently, Jaziri was charged with disseminating false information that could disrupt public order and undermine the credibility of national exams. In her Facebook video, she had claimed a philosophy exam leak and attempts at fraud via online groups, supporting her accusations with screenshots. Jaziri, who had previously been questioned by the police, maintained that she was acting to defend exam integrity and denounce cheating practices, while rejecting any political instrumentalization of the matter and calling on authorities to intervene.