US sends JD Vance to Pakistan to restart Iran talks amid heightened tensions
via Business News1 min read
The United States announced a new diplomatic initiative regarding Iran on April 19, 2026, amidst significant international tensions. US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that a delegation led by Vice President JD Vance would be sent to Islamabad to restart negotiations with Iran. The mission is scheduled to begin on Monday, aiming to re-engage dialogue between Washington and Tehran. On his social media platform, Donald Trump expressed hope for Iran to accept an agreement, while also issuing a stern warning that if Iran refuses, "the United States will annihilate every power plant and every bridge in Iran." He also noted that the current ceasefire is set to expire in three days. Concurrently, security remains high in Islamabad, with authorities reinforcing measures in anticipation of the discussions, though without detailing their extent. Regionally, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also declared that the Israeli army has been instructed to use "all its force" in Lebanon if threatened, despite the ceasefire. He also mentioned the destruction of homes in border areas, described as Hezbollah positions. These announcements occur within a particularly tense regional climate, characterized by fragile ceasefires and escalating diplomatic and military tensions.
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Driss Guiga, former minister and senior state official, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the age of 102. His son, Moncef Guiga, announced his death on his personal page. Guiga was a prominent figure who held several key positions during the era of Habib Bourguiba. Born in Testour in 1924, Driss Guiga was involved in the national movement early on before studying law and history in Algiers and Paris. After Tunisia gained independence, he embarked on a long career in government, serving as Director of National Security, High Commissioner for Tourism, Minister of Health, Minister of Education, Ambassador to West Germany, and then Minister of Interior from 1980 to 1984. His tenure as Minister of Interior was notably linked to a sensitive period in contemporary Tunisian history, particularly the 1983-1984 bread riots, an event that marked a turning point in his political career. Following these events, he left the country, returning after November 7, 1987. In recent years, Driss Guiga gained attention again with the publication of his memoirs, "On the Path of Bourguiba," coinciding with his centenary celebration in 2024. His passing signifies the loss of a direct witness to several major phases in the construction of the post-independence Tunisian state.
Judicial police units in Sousse have arrested three young individuals, aged between 20 and 30, on suspicion of involvement in hacking foreign bank accounts. The arrests followed a police ambush at a local hotel. The suspects are believed to have transferred stolen funds to their own accounts and are also implicated in a fraud scheme targeting a commercial company in Sousse. Authorities seized significant sums of money, luxury cars, motorcycles, and computer equipment, all believed to be proceeds from the hacking activities. Several computers, mobile phones, and electronic payment terminals were also confiscated for investigation. Following consultation with the public prosecutor, the three suspects have been taken into custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of the group's operations and any further connections.
BN Check participated in the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy, an event that gathers journalists, researchers, digital experts, human rights defenders, and civil society actors globally. The festival serves as a key forum for discussing media's future, press freedom, and challenges posed by technology, especially given the fragility of information and the rise of manipulative narratives. BN Check's presence highlights the growing recognition of independent media in North Africa, particularly Tunisia, in combating disinformation. In a region often affected by political polarization, economic pressures, and digital propaganda, BN Check has become a crucial player in fact-checking and media literacy, working to rebuild a culture of evidence and methodical doubt for the public. BN Check engaged in discussions and workshops on fact-checking in the age of artificial intelligence, a central topic in the global media ecosystem. AI has transformed information circulation, enabling mass content production, including articles, images, synthetic voices, and hyperrealistic videos. While an opportunity for media, it also poses a significant risk to truth, as disinformation becomes industrialized, automated, and difficult to distinguish from authentic journalism. Panels emphasized the emergence of deepfakes, manipulated content that imitates faces, voices, or speeches with disturbing accuracy. Once specialized, this technology is now widely accessible, and deepfakes have
Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed presided over the 70th-anniversary ceremony of the internal security forces on Saturday, April 18, 2026. During the event, he delivered a speech emphasizing the role of security forces, national cohesion, and the challenges facing Tunisia. The President also awarded ranks and decorations to several internal security force officers and agents for their service. Saïed highlighted the continuous sacrifices made by military and security forces, acknowledging their unwavering efforts and will to serve the nation. He cited their mobilization during recent severe weather, where they rescued citizens despite limited resources, calling these actions "examples that history will remember." The President stated that the image of security forces has evolved, with agents now accompanying citizens, protecting their property, and ensuring their safety, rather than inspiring fear. He noted a "cohesion" between the people and security institutions, citing instances of joint action, such as pursuing criminals. In a more political tone, Kaïs Saïed condemned what he called attempts to "sow doubt and chaos," pointing to certain mobilizations and social media publications. He spoke of "orchestrated campaigns" aimed at undermining the country's stability, accusing their perpetrators of seeking to "turn the state into spoils and the people into hostages." The President asserted that these attempts are ineffective, believing the Tunisian people "are aware of the stakes" a