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Washington Presses Israel to Halt Strikes on Iran’s Energy Network

  Smoke rises in Sharjah, following reports of Iranian attacks after United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. The United States has urged Israel to stop its ongoing attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, according to multiple reports citing senior U.S. and Israeli officials. Key Developments U.S. officials delivered the request at high political levels and directly to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.  The Trump administration outlined several strategic concerns: A desire to maintain the possibility of future cooperation with Iran’s oil sector after the conflict. Fears that continued strikes could harm Iranian civilians.  Warnings that Iran might retaliate with large-scale attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, a scenario described as a potential “doomsday option.”  Context The request marks a rare moment in which Washington is attempting to restrain Israeli military actions, despite the two nations having ...

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TSX rises as energy and consumer staples lead




The Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index ended up 71.66 points, or 0.3%, at 21,061.88 on Monday, approaching its 20-month high of 21,074.91 reached last week. The energy and consumer staples sectors were the main drivers of the gains, as oil prices recovered some of their losses and investors digested a Bank of Canada business survey.

The survey showed that Canadian firms saw their order books decline as interest rates crimped consumer spending, and they expected inflation to ease despite increased concerns over wages for the next year. The report could keep the door open for interest rate cuts in the first half of the year, according to some economists.

The energy sector rose 0.9% as U.S. crude oil futures settled at $72.50 a barrel, down 0.3%. The consumer staples sector added 0.8%, boosted by shares of Saputo Inc and Loblaw Co, which climbed about 1.6% and 1.5%, respectively. The utilities sector also ended 1.1% higher.

Trading volumes were lower than usual, with U.S. markets closed for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. On Tuesday, Canada will release its consumer price index report for December, which could offer more clues on the central bank’s policy outlook. Economists expect inflation to rise to 3.4% from 3.1% in November.

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