OTTAWA/WASHINGTON/LONDON – Tensions are rising in the Middle East as Iran controls access to the Strait of Hormuz, while political dynamics are shifting in Canada with a Conservative MP joining the Liberal Party, as reported on CBC’s live broadcast.

Iran's Control of Strait of Hormuz

Iran is reportedly controlling traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, routing ships closer to its coast and limiting transits to a maximum of 15 per day. According to the broadcast, traffic through the strait has dropped by approximately 90% since the start of the recent conflict. Iran is also allegedly charging tolls for passage. While the Trump administration claimed Iran had loosened its grip, reports indicate little has changed.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded to the situation on social media, stating Iran is performing poorly and threatening military action if his demands are not met. He wrote on Truth Social, “The shooting starts, bigger and better and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.” These statements have sparked outrage among some conservatives, with calls for his removal from office.

Melania Trump, the former First Lady, delivered a statement calling for open public hearings for victims of Jeffrey Epstein, distancing herself from both Epstein and Maxwell. She stated she had no relationship with Epstein and first encountered him in 2000 at an event with Donald Trump.

Fighting continues in Lebanon, with over 300 people killed and more than 1,000 injured in Israeli attacks. Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold direct talks next week to discuss disarming Hezbollah, a first for the two nations.

Canadian MP Crosses the Floor

Canada’s Prime Minister is defending his decision to welcome Marilyn Gladue, a former Conservative MP, into the Liberal caucus. Gladue’s defection gives the Liberal Party a majority government.

Gladue previously supported the convoy protests, opposed a Liberal bill banning conversion therapy, and expressed openness to private members’ bills restricting abortion. She stated she will vote with the government and protect the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

Some young Liberals expressed a wait-and-see approach to Gladue’s inclusion, while a former pollster for Justin Trudeau suggested the Prime Minister is prioritizing securing a comfortable majority.

Conservative leader Pierre Poiliev blamed Prime Minister Carney for the defection, stating his leadership doesn’t come from “dirty backroom deals.” He dismissed calls for a leadership review, citing the 8.3 million Canadians who voted Conservative. Communications Director Katie Merrifield has resigned, and sources indicate the Liberal Party is in talks with nine other Conservative MPs about potentially crossing the floor.