Canadian politicians sharpen tone over U.S. tariffs
Canadian political leaders stepped up their rhetoric on Monday in response to the latest U.S. tariff threats.
Speaking in Quebec, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa would be willing to talk if Washington changed tack. "When the Americans go to the negotiating table first, with the right attitude toward our industries and in a true partnership, of course we'll come to the negotiating table," he said.
Carney added that he would not accept the attitude that "Canada is a subsidiary of the United States," or that the country should be disadvantaged relative to the United States.
EU approves 6.1 bln euros in new defense procurement for Ukraine
The European Commission on Monday approved 6.1 billion euros (about 7.12 billion U.S. dollars) in new defense procurement for Ukraine, covering air defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.
The Commission said the latest approval was in addition to 16 billion euros in previously approved procurement plans, of which 8.35 billion euros have been disbursed.
Most of the equipment will be sourced from European Union defense companies, the Commission said.
Iran denies receiving invitation to join Mecca defence agreement
Iran has not received any official invitation to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Monday.
Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian Parliament News Agency, said that Iran was invited to the Mecca pact signed earlier this month by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, Lebanon-based broadcaster Al Mayadeen reported on Sunday.
Rahimi said the proposal is currently under consideration by the Iranian leadership, the report said.■
