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Tehran Signals Defiance as Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation and Strait Closure

  A man holds a picture of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while people attend a funeral ceremony for the Iranian military commanders who were killed in strikes, in Tehran Iran’s Supreme Leader issued his first public remarks following the deaths of senior Iranian commanders, vowing that the country will “avenge the martyrs” and maintain the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz until what he described as “justice” is served. His comments, delivered during a nationally broadcast address, underscore a sharp escalation in rhetoric at a moment of heightened regional tension. The Supreme Leader framed the recent losses as sacrifices in the defense of Iran’s sovereignty, promising that those responsible “will face consequences.” He also reaffirmed Iran’s decision to keep the Strait closed, a move that has already disrupted global shipping routes and rattled energy markets. The strait, one of the world’s most critical chokepoints for oil transport, has long been a flas...
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Canada’s Economy Stumbles: October GDP Sees Sharpest Decline Since 2022


Canada’s economy hit a setback in October 2025, with real GDP contracting by 0.3%, the largest monthly drop in nearly three years. The decline erased September’s modest 0.2% growth and underscored the fragility of the country’s recovery amid global and domestic challenges.

Key Drivers of the Contraction

  • Manufacturing slump: Output fell 1.5%, reversing September’s gains. Durable goods manufacturing, particularly machinery and wood products, saw steep declines, with lumber production dropping 7.3% following new U.S. tariffs.
  • Goods-producing industries: Overall, these sectors contracted 0.7%, led by manufacturing and mining.
  • Services-producing industries: Activity slipped 0.2%, weighed down by labor stoppages in key service areas.
  • Broad impact: 11 of 20 industrial sectors reported declines, highlighting widespread weakness across the economy.

Broader Context

Despite the October setback, Canada’s GDP was still up 0.4% year-over-year, reflecting modest growth compared to 2024 levels. Economists note that while the contraction was sharp, it aligned with expectations and may prove temporary, as preliminary data suggests a slight rebound in November.

The Bank of Canada, which held its policy interest rate steady at 2.25% in December, described the economy as “resilient overall” but warned of elevated uncertainty. Trade tensions with the U.S. and domestic labor disruptions remain key risks heading into 2026.

Outlook

The October contraction serves as a reminder of Canada’s economic vulnerabilities, particularly in manufacturing and resource sectors. Analysts suggest that sustained recovery will depend on easing trade frictions, stabilizing labor markets, and maintaining consumer demand.

In short: October’s GDP decline was Canada’s sharpest since December 2022, driven by manufacturing weakness and labor disruptions, but early signs point to a modest rebound in November.


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