Canada vows to maintain economic pressure on Iran

Canada vowed Sunday to coordinate with international allies to impose further sanctions and maintain pressure on Iran.

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne in a joint statement condemning Tehran urged Iran to immediately cease its "destabilizing activities in the Middle East," pointing specifically to its "continued threats to vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz," its "pursuit of illicit nuclear activities" and its "support for regional proxy groups.”

They said Ottawa is working closely with G7 partners to support US-led efforts alongside France and the UK to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The joint statement highlighted ongoing support for Operation Economic Outcast, a US-led maximum-pressure sanctions campaign, and any other efforts to disrupt Iran's capability to "finance terrorist activities."

Since 2010, Canada has sanctioned 492 Iranian individuals and entities under SEMA, the Special Economic Measures Act, and the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act.

The ministers said Canada will continue to seek "additional measures" with global partners to force Iran to end its "malign behavior."

Iran did not immediately respond to Canada's accusations