WHAT’S HOT TODAY — March 12, 2026

Today’s headlines highlight rising geopolitical tensions, economic friction between major powers, and key developments affecting both global energy markets and Morocco’s domestic priorities.

We begin in the Middle East, where the security of one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes is raising concern. The United States military has stated it is not currently ready to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a passage through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply normally transits every day. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions in the region and growing fears about the safety of commercial shipping in the Gulf.

These concerns are already affecting global energy markets. According to the International Energy Agency, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing what analysts describe as a historic disruption to the global oil supply chain, especially as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets — has been severely affected since the escalation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, tensions are also rising on the economic front between the European Union and the United States. Brussels has warned that it will respond “with firmness” if Washington violates their recently negotiated trade agreement. The warning follows new American trade investigations that European officials fear could lead to tariffs or restrictions affecting transatlantic commerce.

Shifting to Morocco, another issue is drawing attention: food waste. The Economic, Social and Environmental Council, known as the CESE, is calling for a national action plan to tackle the problem. According to figures presented during the council’s discussions, Moroccan households discarded around 4.2 million tonnes of food in 2022, representing about 113 kilograms per person each year. Experts say reducing these losses could strengthen food security and reduce pressure on natural resources.

Finally, in the agricultural sector, there is more positive news from the Casablanca-Settat region. Authorities announced that the autumn crops program for the 2025-2026 agricultural campaign has been completed at 100%, reflecting strong mobilization across the region’s farming sector and stable conditions for seasonal planting.

From energy security and global trade tensions to food sustainability and agricultural performance, these developments show how closely connected global geopolitics and local economic policies have become.

And that’s What’s Hot Today.