Aug 25, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC

Canada has formally announced retaliatory tariffs of up to 50 percent on approximately C$28 billion ($20 billion) worth of American goods, matching recent import duties imposed by the United States.

The countermeasures target a wide array of US products, including steel, apparel, furniture, and agricultural items. The decision follows the collapse of bilateral trade negotiations, which led US President Donald Trump's administration to enact 50 percent tariffs on Canadian imports affecting roughly five percent of Canada's annual exports to its southern neighbor.

In addition to reciprocal levies, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's government indicated plans to provide financial support to domestic businesses and workers impacted by the friction. President Trump previously warned that American duties could increase further if the dispute remains unresolved.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, Sweden Herald

US President Donald Trump stated that an agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within days, even as conflicting reports persist over diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Iranian officials maintained that transit restrictions through the strategic waterway will continue until Washington alters its policy, though Oman continues to mediate discussions aimed at establishing secure maritime routes.

Despite Trump's claim that shipping channels remain operational, reporting indicates vessel traffic through the strait recently declined further following a ship attack. Trump downplayed the urgency of immediate diplomatic efforts, describing the situation as "like a chess game" and asserting that economic pressure on Tehran will prevent unauthorized cargo movement without a resolution. Tehran has warned of potential offensive action if diplomatic channels fail.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, CDM, Dan, Vijesti.

US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have rejected media reports alleging critical ammunition shortages in the US military stemming from operations involving Iran. Responding to claims that depleted missile stockpiles halted further strikes, Trump stated on Truth Social that the US possesses "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" and threatened leakers and journalists with lengthy prison sentences.

The assertions come amid reported operational strain on US forces, including declining morale among 5,000 personnel aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln due to extended deployments. Meanwhile, diplomatic status remains unclear: Trump claimed talks with Tehran have resumed as a final opportunity for an agreement, directly contradicting Iranian statements denying any ongoing or planned negotiations.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Qatari-mediated diplomatic efforts continue to target a resolution to ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. United States officials expressed optimism that an agreement to reopen the vital maritime transit route could be finalized shortly. However, Iranian officials denied engaging in direct negotiations with Washington.

Concurrently, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaïl Baghaï stated that Tehran and Oman approved "the geographical coordinates" for a new maritime route, subject to non-interference from external parties.

At the same time, US President Donald Trump stated he would demand financial compensation from Tehran for historical foreign attacks and domestic unrest, complicating prospects for an immediate bilateral resolution.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, RTBF Info.

Ukrainian forces executed long-range missile and drone strikes targeting defense and aerospace facilities deep inside Russia, affecting the Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov, and Penza regions. Satellite imagery confirmed impacts at the Progress Rocket Space Centre and the adjacent Aviakor aircraft repair plant in Samara. Regional Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishev acknowledged a large-scale missile attack on local industrial infrastructure.

Meanwhile, ground combat intensified across eastern Ukraine, with the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reporting more than 250 engagements within 24 hours. Russian forces maintained offensive pushes in the Lyman, Kupyansk, and Pokrovsk sectors, attempting to divide Ukrainian defensive lines near the Oskil River and expanding territory south of Dobropillia.

Sources: Mediazona, Point, The Insider, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда.