Tehran (Iran), August 17, 2026, BNN Web Staff: Iran has sharply criticised Canada for backing the United States amid its ongoing conflict with Tehran, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei accusing Ottawa of acting as Washington’s “farm team”.
In a post on X on Sunday, Baghaei used an ice hockey reference to mock Canada’s close alignment with Washington. “This is not hockey night in Canada; it is Washington’s Farm Team,” he wrote.
Baghaei also pointed to tensions between Canada and the US over tariffs and other disputes, saying Washington has referred to Canada as its “51st state”, imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and threatened action over wildfire smoke.
“Washington calls Canada its 51st state; Washington imposes tariffs on Canadian goods; Washington insults Canada and threatens to punish it over wildfire smoke; Ottawa’s response: Understood, Sir!” Baghaei said.
He further accused Ottawa of joining the US-led military campaign against Iran in an effort to appease Washington, asking, “What’s the reward?”
The remarks came days after Canada announced fresh sanctions against five Iranian individuals over alleged activities linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
On August 14, Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations against five Iranian individuals. Ottawa said those targeted were involved in military, legal and communications activities that it considered a threat to international peace, security and stability.
According to the Canadian government, the sanctions target senior Iranian officials, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), over activities it said threatened a critical international waterway and obstructed navigation rights in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
Canada said the measures were intended to support efforts by its allies and partners to counter what it described as Iran’s destabilising activities and influence in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Ottawa also reiterated its opposition to what it described as violations of international navigation rights around the Strait of Hormuz, saying such actions undermine international peace and security.
Canada said it would continue working with its allies and partners on diplomatic efforts to protect freedom of navigation and was prepared to support efforts to stabilise the strategic waterway when conditions allowed.
The Canadian government also cited statements by G7 foreign ministers issued in March and June 2026, which stressed the importance of protecting maritime routes and ensuring safe navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
The G7 ministers also called for efforts to reduce the impact of the conflict on civilians, regional partners and civilian infrastructure, while coordinating humanitarian assistance.
The crisis has also affected thousands of seafarers in the region. Canada cited the International Maritime Organization, saying its Secretary-General called on April 24 for the release of around 20,000 seafarers unable to leave the Persian Gulf. On June 23, the IMO announced an evacuation plan for seafarers.
Canada has designated the IRGC as a terrorist organisation under its Criminal Code. It has also listed Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis as terrorist organisations.
Ottawa has additionally designated Iran as a foreign state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act, a designation it reconfirmed in December 2025.
With the latest measures, Canada says it has sanctioned 232 Iranian individuals and 260 Iranian entities under its SEMA Iran Regulations.
Iran’s latest criticism highlights the widening diplomatic divide between Tehran and countries supporting Washington’s position in the conflict, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major point of international concern.
