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Mojtaba Khamenei’s Rise Sparks Market Turmoil as Hardliners Mobilize

People attend a gathering to support Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 9, 2026.  Iran’s hardline factions mounted a powerful show of support for newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei , rallying across Tehran in a display that signaled a tightening of conservative control and diminished hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East.  The demonstrations, marked by mass gatherings and imagery linking Mojtaba to his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscored the regime’s consolidation at a moment of heightened regional conflict.  Analysts warn that the hardliners’ unified backing suggests Iran is unlikely to soften its stance amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. and Israel. Global markets reacted sharply. Fears that prolonged instability could further disrupt energy supplies sent oil prices soaring and triggered steep declines in major stock indices. With one of the most significan...

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China's Tariffs Hit Canadian Goods: A $3.7 Billion Blow

China has implemented retaliatory tariffs on Canadian goods worth $3.7 billion, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The new levies, effective March 20, target key Canadian exports, including rapeseed oil, peas, aquatic products, and pork. These tariffs impose a 100% surcharge on rapeseed oil and peas, while aquatic products and pork face a 25% duty.

The move follows Canada's imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products in October 2024. Beijing has criticized these measures as discriminatory and a violation of World Trade Organization rules.

Canadian industry leaders have expressed concern over the economic impact, particularly on the agricultural sector. Chris Davison, President of the Canola Council of Canada, described the tariffs as "devastating" for farmers and the broader value chain. The federal government has announced measures to support affected industries, including $1 billion in financing for the agriculture and food sectors.

This development underscores the growing strain in Canada-China trade relations, with both sides urging diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute.

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