US-Iran geopolitical tensions and escalation

Tensions between the United States and Iran escalated following the expansion of secondary sanctions by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, intended to pressure Tehran over attacks on ships in the Gulf.

Conflict intensified as U.S. forces reportedly struck Iranian launchers on Larak island. In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed retaliation and launched an attack on U.S. military targets in Jordan. President Donald Trump later announced U.S. military strikes against targets in Iran, including locations on Larak island and various coastal cities, raising fears of a protracted conflict.

These geopolitical developments have impacted global energy markets, pushing crude oil prices above $90 per barrel due to concerns regarding shipping stability in the Strait of Hormuz.

In Canada, the S&P/TSX Composite Index has experienced significant declines, falling over 1% in recent sessions. While the energy sector has seen gains from rising oil and gas prices, other sectors including mining, technology, and real estate have faced downward pressure. This market downturn is driven by both the military escalation and an ongoing trade dispute involving mutual tariffs between Canada and the United States.

More recently, the Canadian dollar has strengthened against the U.S. dollar, with the USD/CAD pair trading near 1.3800. This shift is supported by West Texas Intermediate crude oil approaching $90.50 per barrel amid Middle East tensions. This currency movement occurs even as the U.S. dollar faces pressure following a stronger-than-expected August jobs report that added 162,000 nonfarm payrolls.