Canadian officials say prospects of resuming talks with US President Trump before the midterm elections are slim after negotiations collapsed. Prime Minister Carney is preparing a domestic aid package to help firms hit by US tariffs, designed to sustain businesses through the remainder of Trump’s term if needed, sources said. Some sources cautioned the situation remains fluid and the US has not ruled out reopening talks. Carney said the government will support affected firms for as long as neces

PEZESHKIAN told a Tehran event on Aug. 22 that members of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council view a previously reached memorandum of understanding with the US as the best outcome given dignity, prudence and national interest; the memo contains no clause indicating Iran surrendered or made concessions and related commitments fall on the other side. He said Iran should, rationally, extricate itself from the current 'neither-war-nor-peace' state because war or that limbo deters investment. He added the late Ali Khamenei had also said Iran must leave the 'neither-war-nor-peace' state, and that supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei sets national policy and the government will continue to implement those policies.

Iran's parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee spokesman Hassan Kashkavi said on Sunday the committee approved Article 3 of the Strategic Action Plan to Ensure Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz, authorising charges for maritime services, environmental services, emergency fuel supplies, insurance, security and other services. Fees will be levied on vessels of countries permitted to transit the Strait and payable in rials or other currencies designated by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Kashkavi said littoral states' rights must be respected and that international law, while recognising freedom of navigation, also requires respect for coastal states' security and sovereignty.