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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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Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady, Signals Pause Amid Strong Economy

 

                                            Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate at 2.25% in its final policy decision of 2025, marking the beginning of what economists believe could be an extended pause in monetary policy adjustments. After a year of multiple rate cuts aimed at supporting growth, the central bank now appears confident that the current level is sufficient to balance inflation pressures with economic resilience.

Recent data has reinforced this stance. Canada’s economy grew at an annualized pace of 2.6% in the third quarter, while the unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in November. Inflation also eased slightly, with October’s headline rate at 2.2%, down from 2.4% in September. These indicators suggest that the economy is performing better than anticipated, reducing the likelihood of further cuts in the near term.

Financial markets had already priced in a 93% chance of a rate hold, reflecting broad consensus among analysts that the Bank of Canada would step back after its easing cycle earlier this year. Governor Tiff Macklem previously signaled that rates were “at about the right level” to temper inflation without stalling growth.

The decision also comes as the U.S. Federal Reserve prepares its own rate announcement, underscoring the interconnectedness of North American monetary policy. While the Fed is expected to continue easing, Canada’s stronger-than-expected data has shifted speculation toward whether the next move could eventually be a hike rather than another cut.

This pause marks a turning point in 2025’s monetary policy trajectory. Having lowered rates four times earlier in the year, the Bank of Canada now appears set to hold steady into 2026, giving policymakers time to assess whether inflation remains contained and growth sustainable.

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