World

Iran Accuses Canada of 'Strategic Confusion' for Backing US-Israeli Actions

By Swati Gandhi

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Monday criticized Canada for supporting what he called US-Israeli military aggression, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate. In an extensive post on X, Baqaei accused Ottawa of exhibiting "strategic confusion."

He stated that on the same day the US president disregarded Canada's sovereignty by suggesting the country was part of the United States, Canada's foreign and finance ministers chose to further align with Washington by issuing a statement against Iran that he claimed misrepresented the regional situation.

Baqaei argued that Canada could not position itself as a defender of "peace and security," "freedom of navigation," and "international law" while simultaneously endorsing US military actions and what he termed Washington's illegal interventions in the region.

The spokesperson further noted that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor, remained open and secure until the United States and Israel initiated conflict with Iran on February 28. Referencing recent friction between the US and Canada, Baqaei questioned why Ottawa would support US military action and economic pressure on Iran rather than call for an end to what he described as American aggression and economic warfare, given Canada's own experience with unreliable US commitments.

Baqaei's remarks followed a joint declaration issued on September 6 by Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, which condemned Iran's regional conduct and threats to maritime navigation. The Canadian statement said Ottawa "condemns and calls on Iran to immediately end its destabilizing activities in the Middle East," citing threats to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's pursuit of nuclear activities, and its backing of regional proxy groups as actions undermining global peace and security.

The statement also indicated that Canada is coordinating with G7 partners to maintain pressure on Iran, including supporting US-led initiatives—alongside France and the United Kingdom—to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. It referenced continued sanctions under the US-led Operation Economic Outcast and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to disrupting Iran's financing of what it called terrorist activities.

The Canadian ministers said Ottawa would pursue further measures with allies to promote regional peace and security while continuing pressure on Iran to halt its alleged malign behavior. Since 2010, Canada has imposed sanctions on at least 492 Iranian individuals and entities under the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.

Canada's statement comes as several US allies increasingly align with Washington's position, following earlier reluctance to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, South Korea indicated it was considering deploying military assets to support US security efforts in the strait.