Iran criticizes Canada for supporting US-Israeli military aggression; accuses it of displaying “strategic confusion” | Today’s news
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Monday (local time) criticized Canada for what he described as its support for US-Israeli military aggression, amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
In a rather lengthy post on X, Baqaei accused Ottawa of exhibiting “strategic confusion.” He wrote: “On the same day that the US president portrayed the entire country as part of the United States in blatant disregard for Canada’s sovereignty and independence, Canada’s foreign and finance ministers decided to appease their bullying neighbor even more – this time by attacking Iran with a statement that distorts all the facts about the situation in our region.
The post went on to read: “Canada cannot credibly present itself as an advocate of ‘peace and security’, ‘freedom of navigation’ and ‘international law’ while supporting US military aggression and Washington’s illegal intervention actions in our region.”
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Iran questions Canada’s support for US-Israeli aggression
Baqaei further said that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, remained open and secure before the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28.
Examining the recently strained relationship between the US and Canada, a State Department spokesman added: “If freedom of navigation is really the issue, why has Canada – having experienced firsthand US bad faith and knowing that US signatures are ‘written in pencil’ – chosen to support US military aggression and economic terrorism instead of calling for an end to US aggression, blockade and economic warfare?”
Canada condemns Iran’s regional actions
The strongly worded post from Tehran came after Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne issued a joint statement condemning Iran’s regional actions and maritime threats.
In a statement issued on September 6, Ottawa officials wrote: “Canada condemns and calls on Iran to immediately end its destabilizing activities in the Middle East. Iran’s actions, including its continued threats to vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, its promotion of illicit nuclear activities and its support for regional proxy groups, continue to undermine global peace and security.”
The joint statement said: “Canada is working closely with partners, including within the G7, to maintain significant pressure on Iran. This includes supporting efforts led by the United States, as well as France and the United Kingdom, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and continued sanctions against Iran, such as those imposed under the U.S.-led Operation Economic Outcast. Canada continues to support efforts to disrupt Iran’s terrorist activities.”
Further, Canadian ministers pledged that Ottawa would coordinate with its allies to push for additional measures to promote peace and security in the region, while maintaining pressure on Tehran to end its “malign behavior.”
Since 2010, Ottawa has imposed sanctions on at least 492 Iranian individuals and entities through the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA) and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA).
Canada’s condemnation of Iran’s regional actions comes as several US allies are now rallying support for Washington after initially rejecting US President Donald Trump’s request for help in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
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Last week, the South Korean government said it was considering aiding US security efforts in the Strait of Hormuz by deploying military assets.
