US Secretary of War criticizes European allies over Strait of Hormuz commitment
via Business News3 min read
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed frustration on Friday, April 24, 2026, regarding the insufficient commitment of several European countries to securing the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth stated that the United States could no longer bear the burden of operations in this strategic area alone, emphasizing that Europeans "need the Strait of Hormuz much more than we do." He urged them to "talk less" and become more actively involved, particularly militarily and navally. The American administration seeks tangible engagement from its allies. Reuters reported that internal Pentagon discussions include potential measures against certain NATO countries deemed uncooperative in Iran-related operations. These options could involve increased diplomatic pressure and more significant political decisions as Washington aims to redefine burden-sharing within the alliance. Spain is specifically mentioned, having refused to allow the use of its military bases and airspace for American operations against Iran, including strategic facilities like the Rota naval base and Morón air base. A Pentagon document reportedly considers retaliatory measures against Spain, including unprecedented options within NATO. The Spanish government has defended its stance, asserting it acts in accordance with international law and remains a reliable ally, while declining to engage in military escalation. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical point for global energy trade, with a significant portion of seaborne oil t
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Must ReadThe Tunisian Human Rights League LTDH received notification on Friday, April 24, 2026, of a one-month suspension of its activities. A bailiff delivered the official notice to the organization's headquarters, though the specific reasons for this decision have not yet been made public. Founded in 1977, the LTDH is a prominent human rights organization in the Arab world and Africa, known for its role in documenting violations and defending public liberties. This temporary suspension occurs amidst increasing pressure on civil society organizations in Tunisia. In 2025, similar measures affected other associations, including the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women ATFD and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights FTDES. Reports also suggest that other organizations, such as Mnemty, which advocates for minority rights, and Al Khatt, publisher of the independent media Inkyfada, are currently under scrutiny by authorities and may face dissolution procedures. The suspension of the LTDH marks a further escalation in the strained relationship between Tunisian authorities and civil society actors.
Noureddine Tabka, a prominent Tunisian journalist, has passed away. The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists SNJT announced his death on Friday, April 24, 2026, expressing condolences to his family and the journalistic community. The SNJT recognized Tabka as a significant figure from the golden generation of Tunisia's French-language press. He spent most of his career at the daily newspaper La Presse de Tunisie, serving as editor-in-chief during the 1970s and 1980s, where he worked alongside notable Tunisian journalists such as Salah Eddine Maâoui, Mahmoud Hosni, and Abdelaziz Dahmani. Tabka was a pioneer dedicated to his profession and served as president of the Association of Tunisian Journalists from 1973 to 1975. He also made contributions to the publishing sector, directing Dar Al Amal and overseeing various documentary and economic publications.
Must ReadThe Tunisian National Journalists' Syndicate SNJT strongly reacted on Friday, April 24, 2026, to the detention of journalist Zied El-Heni, denouncing it as a new escalation against freedom of expression and press freedom. According to the syndicate's statement, the journalist was questioned in the morning by the fifth central brigade for combating information and communication technology crimes, part of the National Guard in Aouina, before being placed in custody. The SNJT specified that the hearing took place in the presence of a lawyer appointed by the syndicate. Zied El-Heni is being prosecuted under Article 86 of the Telecommunications Code, on charges of "harming others via public communication networks." The prosecution reportedly follows a post on his personal Facebook account, in which he discussed the case of journalist Khlifa Guesmi, which was recently dismissed on appeal. The SNJT criticized a "gagging policy" targeting journalists, particularly in the digital space, and denounced a variable approach by the public prosecutor's office. The syndicate called for Zied El-Heni's immediate and unconditional release, while urging authorities to prioritize the application of Decree-Law 115 on press freedom, rather than resorting to what it considers repressive texts, such as Decree-Law 54 or the Telecommunications Code. It also called on its members and all defenders of freedom of expression to mobilize against what it described as intimidation attempts, and announced a su
Minister of Women, Asma Jabri, provided an update on the progress of the bill concerning alimony and divorce benefits, which was announced during the 2026 state budget discussion. Speaking at a plenary session of the Assembly of People's Representatives on Friday, April 24, 2026, the Minister stated that the text is currently undergoing consultation with various stakeholders and is expected to be submitted to Parliament soon. This project aims to revise the legislative framework of the Alimony and Divorce Annuity Guarantee Fund to improve its effectiveness and expand its scope. The goal is to better address the challenges faced by divorced women and their children, especially when judicial decisions are hindered by the debtor's default or financial difficulties. The proposed reform focuses on redefining eligibility conditions, the fund's intervention period, and access to social coverage for beneficiaries. It also includes enhanced support to promote the economic autonomy of divorced women through professional integration programs, training, or assistance for project creation. Beyond financial aspects, the future system seeks to integrate social, medical, and professional support mechanisms to facilitate the economic integration of beneficiaries and improve their living conditions. The reform will also address the fund's governance, simplify its procedures, and mobilize new funding sources to ensure the system's efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, discussions are und