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Ceasefire Wavers as U.S. Seizes Iranian Ship and Tehran Rejects New Talks

U.S. Navy intercepts an Iranian cargo vessel in the Arabian Sea, escalating tensions and putting the fragile ceasefire at risk. A fragile U.S.–Iran ceasefire is under renewed strain after the U.S. Navy seized an Iranian‑flagged cargo ship in the Arabian Sea, prompting Tehran to reject participation in new peace talks and warn of retaliation.  Iranian officials accused Washington of “armed piracy” after U.S. Marines boarded and disabled the vessel following a six‑hour standoff. Tehran said the ship had been traveling from China and insisted its “defensive capabilities,” including its missile program, were not up for negotiation.  The U.S. had hoped to restart negotiations in Pakistan before the two‑week ceasefire expires, but Iran’s foreign ministry said Washington was “not serious” about diplomacy and was insisting on “unreasonable and unrealistic positions.” Pakistani mediators also warned that the ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports remains a major obstacle to progress....

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Trade Tensions Take Toll: Canada Loses 33,000 Jobs in March

 

Canada's labour market faced a significant setback in March, shedding 33,000 jobs—the largest monthly decline since January 2022. This drop pushed the unemployment rate up to 6.7%, a slight increase from February's 6.6%.

The job losses were primarily concentrated in full-time positions, with 62,000 roles eliminated. Sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, as well as information, culture, and recreation, bore the brunt of the decline. However, some gains were observed in part-time employment and industries like utilities and personal services.

Economists attribute this downturn to the escalating trade war with the United States, which has introduced tariffs on Canadian exports, including steel and aluminum. These measures have created uncertainty for businesses, leading to layoffs and a cautious approach to hiring.

As Canada navigates these economic headwinds, policymakers and businesses alike face the challenge of mitigating the impact of trade tensions on the labour market. The coming months will be critical in determining the broader implications of these developments on the nation's economy.

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