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Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...

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Diplomatic Tensions Rise: Lebanon Rebukes Iran's Envoy Over Hezbollah Disarmament Remarks


Lebanon's foreign ministry has summoned Iran's ambassador to Beirut, Mojtaba Amani, following controversial remarks regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. Amani referred to the disarmament efforts as a "conspiracy," sparking diplomatic friction between the two nations.

The comments come amidst growing pressure on Hezbollah to relinquish its arsenal, especially after the 2024 conflict with Israel left southern Lebanon devastated. President Joseph Aoun is set to initiate discussions on disarmament, a topic long considered taboo due to Hezbollah's significant influence in Lebanese politics.

Lebanon's foreign ministry emphasized the importance of adhering to diplomatic protocols and respecting the sovereignty of states. This incident marks a rare instance of Lebanon openly criticizing Iran, given Tehran's historical support for Hezbollah.

The situation underscores the delicate balance Lebanon must maintain as it navigates internal and external pressures surrounding Hezbollah's role in the region.

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