Iran has sharply criticized Canada for supporting US-led economic pressure on Tehran and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accused Canada of appeasing what he called its “bullying neighbour,” the United States.
Baqaei said Canada’s foreign and finance ministers had issued a statement that, in Iran’s view, distorted facts about the regional situation.
He also questioned why Ottawa supports US pressure instead of calling for an end to what Iran describes as American aggression, blockade and economic warfare.
Iran challenges Canada’s position on Hormuz
Baqaei argued that the Strait of Hormuz remained open and secure before the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
He said Canada could not simultaneously claim to support peace, maritime freedom and international law while backing US military actions in the region.
Iran has repeatedly rejected the US pressure campaign and accused Washington of using military and economic measures to restrict Tehran.
The dispute comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely reduced. Reuters reported that only seven commodity vessels crossed the waterway on Monday, highlighting the impact of the escalating confrontation.
Canada backs US-led efforts
Canada has taken a different position.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Ottawa supports efforts by the United States, France and Britain to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The ministers also called on Iran to end what Canada described as destabilizing activities in the Middle East. They accused Tehran of threatening vessels using the strait and said Canada would maintain economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran.
Canada also backed sanctions announced under the US-led economic pressure campaign against Iran.
Rising tensions over the strategic waterway
The latest exchange comes as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to rise.
Iran has threatened to respond to further US attacks and has announced plans for a new restricted or exclusion zone near the strategic waterway.
Tehran says it will announce new shipping arrangements in the coming days. The United States, however, rejects Iran’s attempts to restrict navigation and says it will continue efforts to keep the waterway open.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major route for global energy supplies. Any prolonged disruption could therefore create wider risks for international trade and energy markets.
