Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.

On today's podcast:

1) The Chinese government and Xi Jinping are sending a message of defiance to President Trump over China's economic ties with Iran. China will take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its interests, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, after the US sanctioned dozens of Chinese entities. China has thrown Tehran an economic lifeline as its biggest buyer of oil, and Xi appears in no rush to help Trump end a conflict that's pulling US resources from Asia.

2) The Trump administration is discussing additional trade penalties against Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled dollar-for-dollar retaliation to new tariffs imposed by the US. Additional US escalation against Canada could include higher tariffs and other trade actions, according to a White House official. The Canadian government announced that it would double its existing counter-tariffs on US steel and aluminum products to 50% and apply new 50% duties to other US products, affecting $20 billion worth of annual US exports to Canada.

3) Wall Street is anticipating Nvidia's earnings for what they mean to artificial intelligence investors and the market itself. Nvidia is considered the best barometer for AI spending, and its earnings will help determine if hyperscalers are still accelerating or becoming more disciplined. Investors want to hear what Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has to say about capital spending, future demand, and new financing deals that involve Nvidia.