**Summary:** Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iranian officials have emphasized that regional ceasefire agreements must include Lebanon, following reports of significant Israeli military strikes in the country.

**Key points:**
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow considers existing Middle East ceasefire agreements to have a regional scope that covers Lebanon.
- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh claimed Iran nearly retaliated against Israeli strikes in Lebanon but held off following intervention from Pakistan.
- The Iranian government indicated that a delegation will travel to Islamabad for peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict.

**Why it matters:** The diplomatic efforts by Russia and Iran highlight the fragile state of regional ceasefires and the potential for wider escalation if military operations in Lebanon continue.

jordanzad.com - لكنها لم ترد .. إيران: كنا على وشك الرد على هجمات إسرائيل في لبنان

hespress.com - لافروف: اتفاق وقف النار يشمل لبنان

Russia and Iran Address Ceasefire Violations in Lebanon

**Summary:** Iranian officials have declared that Lebanon is an inseparable part of the recent US-Iran ceasefire, while Israel and the United States maintain that the truce does not include the Lebanese front.

**Key points:**
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that ongoing Israeli strikes on Lebanon violate the initial ceasefire agreement and render further negotiations meaningless.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that military operations against Hezbollah will continue despite international pressure to expand the truce.
- At least 203 people were killed and 1,000 wounded in recent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, according to the Lebanese health ministry.
- US Vice President JD Vance stated that Lebanon was never included in the ceasefire negotiations with Iran.

**Why it matters:** The dispute over the scope of the ceasefire threatens to derail high-stakes diplomatic talks in Pakistan and risks a broader escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

The Citizen - Israel dismisses calls to add Lebanon to US-Iran ceasefire

Egypt Independent - Iran’s top officials stress Lebanon’s inclusion in ceasefire deal despite US and Israeli denials

Iran and Israel Clash Over Lebanon's Status in Ceasefire Agreement

**Summary:** The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to global energy flows as Iran continues to restrict access, citing the need for supervision over transit routes.

**Key points:**
- Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., stated that approximately 230 oil-laden vessels are currently unable to navigate the waterway.
- Iranian state-run media reported the establishment of two designated safe routes to mitigate risks from potential sea mines.
- The waterway has been largely inaccessible since the onset of the Iran war in late February, complicating global commodity transport.

**Why it matters:** The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for 20% of global oil and gas trade, significantly disrupts international energy markets and regional supply chains.

financialpost.com - UAE Oil Boss Says Hormuz Still Shut With Iran Restricting Access

hespress.com - إيران تشير إلى ألغام في مضيق هرمز

Iran Restricts Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Conflict

**Summary:** Fuel supply shortages and price volatility are affecting multiple countries, prompting emergency government interventions and calls for distributors to pass on recent global oil price declines to consumers.

**Key points:**
- Madagascar has implemented an emergency regime to manage ongoing fuel shortages.
- Gas distributors in Morocco have initiated a 48-hour suspension of distribution services.
- France's Minister of the Economy Roland Lescure has urged fuel distributors to rapidly lower prices following a 15% drop in oil costs.
- Approximately 13% of French service stations reported fuel supply disruptions as of Thursday morning.

**Why it matters:** The combination of supply chain disruptions and volatile energy prices poses significant economic challenges for households and logistics networks across affected regions.

yabiladi.com - Maroc : Les distributeurs de gaz suspendent la distribution pendant 48 heures

agenceecofin.com - Madagascar instaure un régime d’urgence pour gérer les pénuries de carburant

sudouest.fr - Prix des carburants : « c’est monté vite, il faut que ça baisse vite », le ministre de l’Économie interpelle les distributeurs

Global Fuel Supply Disruptions and Price Volatility Impact Multiple Nations

**Summary:** A federal judge in Los Angeles has sentenced Jasveen Sangha, known as the 'Ketamine Queen,' to 15 years in prison for her role in the 2023 fatal overdose of actor Matthew Perry.

**Key points:**
- Sangha pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including distributing ketamine that resulted in death.
- The sentencing follows the earlier convictions of two doctors involved in the case, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chávez.
- Investigators discovered large quantities of various illegal drugs during a search of Sangha's North Hollywood residence.
- The prosecution described Sangha as a dealer who catered to high-end clients to fund a lavish lifestyle.

**Why it matters:** The case highlights the legal consequences for those enabling substance abuse among high-profile individuals and underscores the broader crackdown on illegal drug distribution networks in Hollywood.

CBC News - Judge gives 15-year sentence to woman who admitted selling Friends star Matthew Perry ketamine

The Journal - Woman who sold drugs that killed Matthew Perry jailed for 15 years

EL PAÍS - La ‘reina de la ketamina’, Jasveen Sangha, sentenciada a 15 años de cárcel por la muerte de Matthew Perry

Jasveen Sangha Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Matthew Perry's Death

**Summary:** Telecommunications operator Inwi has partnered with China Mobile to deploy Morocco's first private industrial 5G network. This infrastructure project aims to support the digital transformation of the country's industrial sector.

**Key points:**
- The 5G network is designed specifically for industrial applications, marking a significant step in Morocco's technological infrastructure development.
- The collaboration leverages China Mobile's technical expertise to enhance local industrial connectivity.

**Why it matters:** The deployment of private 5G networks is critical for advancing Industry 4.0, enabling higher automation and efficiency in manufacturing and logistics.

agenceecofin.com - Inwi et China Mobile lancent le premier réseau 5G privé industriel du Maroc

hespress.com - قوة 5G لاتصالات المغرب

Inwi and China Mobile Launch Morocco's First Private Industrial 5G Network

**Summary:** Iran and the United States have entered a two-week bilateral ceasefire, with high-level peace negotiations scheduled to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan, on April 10, 2026.

**Key points:**
- The agreement follows an ultimatum from US President Donald Trump regarding the potential targeting of Iranian critical infrastructure.
- Iran has proposed a ten-point plan, which includes a security protocol for the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control.
- Fitch Ratings warns that the ongoing conflict risks global economic growth and could drive significant inflation through 2026.
- Iranian officials stated that the ceasefire is conditional on the cessation of attacks against Iran.

**Why it matters:** The de-escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran is critical for global energy security and economic stability, as the conflict directly threatens the Strait of Hormuz and international market volatility.

elcomercio.pe - Irán anuncia negociaciones de paz con Estados Unidos en Pakistán a partir del 10 de abril

elcomercio.pe - Irán dice que será posible “el paso seguro” por el estrecho de Ormuz durante dos semanas

Iran and US Agree to Two-Week Ceasefire and Peace Negotiations in Pakistan

**Summary:** Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally requested that U.S. President Donald Trump extend his ultimatum to Iran by two weeks to allow ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a peaceful resolution.

**Key points:**
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz as a gesture of goodwill during the proposed extension.
- The Pakistani leader called for a two-week ceasefire among all belligerent parties to foster regional stability.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the proposal and will provide a response.
- The request follows recent threats from President Donald Trump regarding potential military action against Iran.

**Why it matters:** The request represents a critical diplomatic intervention aimed at preventing a major military escalation in the Middle East as the deadline for a U.S. ultimatum approaches.

Quarte Bot