Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has criticised Canada after Ottawa accused Tehran of pursuing “destabilising activities” in the Middle East, calling Canada's position a display of “strategic confusion” and an attempt to appease the United States.

Baghaei's remarks came after the Canadian government said Iran's actions, including threats to vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, its nuclear activities and support for regional proxy groups, were undermining international peace and security. Canada also said it would continue working with partners, including G7 countries, to maintain pressure on Tehran.

Baghaei accuses Canada of backing US pressure

In a post on X, Baghaei accused Canada of choosing to support what he described as US-led military action and sanctions instead of calling for de-escalation.

He described Ottawa's approach as a “display of strategic confusion and submission to intimidation”, arguing that Canada's policy would not protect the country from pressure by its larger neighbour, the United States. 

Baghaei's comments represent Tehran's response to Canada's latest criticism of Iran and come amid a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries.

Canada defends pressure on Iran

Canada said it was coordinating with international partners to maintain pressure on Iran and backed efforts aimed at addressing disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Ottawa has accused Tehran of threatening vessels attempting to use the strategic waterway and has linked Iran's conduct to broader concerns over regional security and its nuclear programme. 

The Canadian position has emerged as the wider US-Iran conflict continues to affect shipping and energy markets.

Strait of Hormuz remains at centre of dispute

The dispute comes as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified.

Iran has threatened to establish a new maritime exclusion zone in the Gulf and has said it plans to announce a new shipping corridor through the Strait. Iranian officials have warned that vessels entering restricted areas could face sanctions.

The waterway is a crucial route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Shipping activity has fallen sharply during the conflict, adding to concerns over energy supplies and international trade.

Iran warns against further escalation

Tehran's latest statements toward Canada come against the backdrop of renewed military tensions with Washington.

Iran has warned that US energy interests and infrastructure in the Gulf could be targeted if attacks on Iranian assets continue. The warnings followed renewed strikes and counter-strikes involving the two countries. 

On Tuesday, Reuters reported that Iran had again threatened the United States with what it described as economic warfare and said it had fired an advanced missile at US warships. Washington said its vessels had evaded missile attacks. 

Diplomatic tensions deepen

The exchange between Ottawa and Tehran adds another layer to the diplomatic tensions surrounding the Iran conflict.

Canada has continued to coordinate with allies on sanctions and other measures against Tehran, while Iranian officials have repeatedly criticised Western governments for supporting US pressure and military action.

Baghaei's latest comments indicate that Tehran is likely to continue challenging countries that back Washington's approach, particularly as the dispute over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved.

Global impact of Iran conflict

The widening diplomatic confrontation is unfolding alongside disruptions to one of the world's most important energy corridors.

Reuters reported that only seven commodity vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, compared with eight the previous day, according to Kpler data. At the same time, traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait increased. 

With military tensions continuing and diplomatic efforts showing limited progress, the dispute over Iran's regional activities is likely to remain a major issue for Canada, the United States and other Western allies.

For now, Baghaei's response underscores Tehran's rejection of Canada's accusations, while Ottawa continues to defend its position as part of a broader international effort to pressure Iran.