Trump Orders Iran Strikes and Imposes 50% Canadian Tariffs

President Donald Trump authorized a series of military strikes against Iran, which escalated over ten consecutive days. The campaign began after Trump vowed that Tehran would pay for the deaths of three American soldiers. The U.S. military targeted Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, including a recent attack on a tanker off Oman. Iran retaliated by targeting U.S. air defense systems, radar installations, and administrative buildings in Kuwait and Bahrain.

The conflict extended to the Red Sea, where Houthi rebels in Yemen declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabian export routes. In response to the regional instability, Brent crude oil prices surged above $90 a barrel and gold prices rose above $4,000 an ounce. Trump later weighed a choice between a 10-day ceasefire to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and a coordinated military campaign with Israel. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry signaled a willingness to negotiate based on national interests.

Parallel to the military escalation, Trump signed executive orders imposing 50 percent tariffs on Canadian automotive, dairy, and alcohol products, citing discriminatory treatment of American goods. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that while Trump agreed to intensify trade negotiations, Canada would consider all options if the tariffs are implemented.