Iran criticized Canada for its endorsement of U.S. military actions in the Strait of Hormuz and accused the nation of yielding to intimidation and appeasing their “bullying neighbor.”
Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, took to X on Monday and characterized Canada’s position as “a display of strategic confusion and submission to intimidation.”
Baghaei referred to a recent post by President Donald Trump, in which Trump shared a map on Truth Social, showing the U.S. flag superimposed over much of North America, including Canada and Mexico, as well as Greenland, Iceland and Caribbean islands such as Cuba and Jamaica. Baghaei criticized Canada for placating the U.S. on the same day Trump demonstrated “blatant contempt for Canada’s sovereignty and independence.”
The Iranian spokesperson challenged Canada’s credibility as a defender of “peace and security,” “freedom of navigation,” and “international law” while supporting U.S. military aggression. He cautioned that Canada’s decision would not shield it from “American bullying and aggression.”
He further questioned why Canada would back Washington, considering its experience of “American bad faith and knowing that U.S. signatures are written in pencil.”
Canada Condemns Iran, South Korea Mulls Military Operation
On Aug. 31, the EU endorsed efforts to curb Tehran’s “destabilizing activities” and restart peace talks, including through the U.S.-Led “Operation Economic Outcast,” which seeks to increase economic pressure on Iran. The EU’s support came as G20 finance ministers and central bank governors met in Asheville, North Carolina.
Earlier, Iran warned South Korea against military involvement in U.S. operations in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, saying such participation would have “serious consequences.”
Seoul is reportedly considering a range of potential military contributions to secure the strategic waterway, including combat, noncombat, and search operations.
US-Iran War Intensifies
On Tuesday, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis attacked energy facilities and cities in U.S. ally Saudi Arabia, wounding over 70 people, Reuters reported. “In recent days, Washington has received a clear warning from Iran’s new missiles. Economic warfare will be met by a maritime exclusion zone across the Persian Gulf to the blockade perimeter,” said Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Iran and Oman are nearing a deal to establish a temporary safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran plans a restricted zone limiting unauthorized vessels.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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