WANA (Sep 08) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has described Canada’s support for US economic and interventionist measures against Iran as “complicity in lawbreaking and a distortion of facts,” criticizing Ottawa’s position on developments in the region.

 

In a statement early Tuesday, September 8, Baghaei responded to a joint statement by Canada’s foreign affairs and finance ministers, saying Ottawa could not portray itself as a defender of “peace and security,” “freedom of navigation” and “international law” while simultaneously supporting US military actions and what he described as Washington’s unlawful and interventionist measures in the region.

 

Baghaei also referred to recent US positions toward Canada, saying that on the same day the US president had disregarded Canada’s sovereignty and independence by depicting the country as part of US territory, Canadian officials had once again chosen to make concessions to Washington—this time by issuing a statement against Iran that, in his words, distorted the facts.

 

Canada’s Position on the Strait of Hormuz

In their joint statement, Canada’s foreign affairs and finance ministers accused Iran of actions that they said threatened global peace and security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. They also expressed support for continued economic pressure on Iran.

 

The statement said Canada would work closely with its partners, including through the Group of Seven, to maintain significant pressure on Iran.

 

Responding on X, Baghaei questioned Canada’s stated concern over freedom of navigation, arguing that if that were truly the issue, Ottawa should call for an end to the conflict and address the factors contributing to the escalation of the regional crisis rather than supporting US actions.

 

Referring to Canada’s own experience with disputes and what he described as US reneging on commitments, Baghaei said Ottawa’s support for Washington’s military actions and “economic terrorism” was neither a sign of diplomacy nor responsible governance, but rather evidence of “strategic confusion and submission to bullying.”

 

The Iranian diplomat warned that such an approach could leave Canada itself increasingly exposed to US pressure and demands.