Ottawa announced that it would take new steps to increase sanctions pressure on Iran and maintain coordination with its international partners in response to Tehran’s activities in the region.
In a joint statement issued by Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Iran was called on to immediately end its “destabilizing activities” in the Middle East.
US-led efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz
The joint statement criticized Iran’s threats against vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz, its nuclear activities and its support for regional proxy groups.
Canada is working closely with its G7 partners, alongside France and the United Kingdom, to support US-led efforts to reopen the strait.
Canada’s sanctions measures
Canada continues to support the US-led “Operation Economic Outcast” maximum-pressure sanctions campaign. Ottawa also supports other initiatives aimed at disrupting Iran’s capacity to “finance terrorist activities.”
Canada said it had placed 492 Iranian individuals and entities on its sanctions list since 2010 under the Special Economic Measures Act and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.
Anand and Champagne said they would continue seeking additional measures with international partners to compel Iran to end its “malign conduct.” Iran did not immediately respond to Canada’s accusations.