Iran slams Canada for appeasing 'bullying neighbour' US

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, has harshly criticized Canada for what he perceives as embarrassment to the United States. Two Canadian ministers recently issued a joint statement stating that Canada would continue to apply "significant pressure" on Iran. This came on the same day that the U.S. president publicly claimed that Canada was part of the United States, an assertion that Baqaei described as blatant disrespect for Canada's sovereignty and independence.

The Iranian official accused Canada of caving to U.S. bullying, specifically by targeting Iran with a statement that he deemed inaccurate and misleading. Baqaei's statement, posted on X, suggested that Canada's actions were not only unhelpful but also contradicted any claims of advocating for "peace and security," "freedom of navigation," and adherence to "international law."

He charged that Canada's stance is more a display of strategic confusion and submission to intimidation rather than true diplomacy or responsible statecraft. This, according to Baqaei, does little to shield Canada from potential American aggression.

The Canadian Foreign Minister, Anita Anand, and Finance Minister, François-Philippe Champagne, made the joint statement, expressing Canada's continued support for international pressure on Iran. This included backing efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and maintaining sanctions, such as the U.S.-led Operation Economic Outcast. The ministers also mentioned that Canada would seek additional measures with global partners to compel Iran to cease its "malign behavior."

Baqaei's remarks came in response to the U.S. president's actions, which he criticized for portraying Canada as part of the United States—a claim he deemed an affront to Canada's independent sovereignty.