On February 28, 2026, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was assassinated, an event that shocked the region and raised significant questions about Iran’s operational security. While his death is undeniably significant, the Islamic Republic survives his assassination, though it emerges considerably weakened, particularly given prior leadership losses and ongoing military and infrastructure degradation.

Dr. Thomas Juneau, professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, joined us to discuss the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, examining how he was targeted, the operational security failures that made it possible, and what his death means for Iran’s internal stability and the future of its nuclear program. He explores the broader escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the limits of support from allies like China and Russia, and the potential consequences for Iranian society if the regime falls. Finally, he addressed Canada’s diplomatic positioning, including Prime Minister Carney’s statements, balancing support for US actions with domestic and bilateral considerations, and the practical limits of Canada’s influence in the conflict.

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The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, CDA Institute Executive Director Gaëlle Rivard Piché and CGAI President & CEO David Perry examine how Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy is redefining the relationship between strategic autonomy, economic prosperity, and national security.

They discuss the structural reforms and cultural shifts required to drive innovation, strengthen sovereign capabilities, and align economic growth with geopolitical realities.

This episode unpacks the implementation challenges, trade-offs, and policy signals that will determine whether the strategy moves from ambition to measurable impact.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute

On today’s episode of the Expert Series, we examine Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy and how it aims to reshape military readiness, domestic industrial capacity, and Canada’s position in a rapidly shifting geopolitical environment. Vice-Admiral (Ret’d) Mark Norman, Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Andrew Leslie, and the Honourable Peter MacKay assess the strategy’s ambition, its proposed “Build–Partner–Buy” framework, and the creation of a new Defence Investment Agency.

They discuss long-standing procurement challenges, persistent capability gaps within the Canadian Armed Forces, and the realism of directing 70% of defence contracts to Canadian firms while remaining closely integrated with the United States and NATO supply chains.

This episode offers a candid evaluation of the opportunities and risks embedded in the strategy, underscoring the importance of effective implementation, economic resilience, and timely investment to ensure Canada can meet both its operational commitments and broader national security objectives.

The CDA Institute is a non-partisan think tank that conducts research and education programming on defence and security.

Learn more: CDA Institute