Canada imposes further sanctions against Iran
News release
April 25, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against Iran under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
Iran continues to threaten international peace and security through multiple destabilizing activities across the Middle East region and beyond. Iran poses a threat to the region both through its armed forces and through its support for its proxies, which includes funding, arms provision and training and political and ideological support.
On April 14, 2024, Iran launched a broad and first-ever direct attack on Israel. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took responsibility for launching drones and missiles while Iranian proxies, including the Houthis, Hezbollah and Iran-linked militias in Iraq, also launched strikes in a limited but highly coordinated manner.
This attack against Israel is yet another example in a pattern of Iran’s malign influence in the region, including through its proxies, and it risks further escalation, which poses a grave threat to regional and global peace and security.
Canada is imposing these sanctions in coordination with G7 allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom, who are taking similar action today. It reiterates its strong condemnation of Iran and its activities and calls for de-escalation.
Canada is listing the following two individuals and two entities under the regulations:
- Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters
- Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, Minister of Defence
- Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters
- Armed Forces General Staff of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Canada remains deeply concerned by Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region and the threat it poses to international peace and security. Canada is unwavering in its commitment to promoting peace and security in the Middle East.
Quotes
“Today’s measures deliver a clear message: Canada and its allies are prepared and will not hesitate to take action against the Iranian regime as it seeks to destabilize regional peace and security. Whether directly or through its proxies, Iran’s behaviour is deeply concerning and risks further escalating regional tensions and violence. This must be avoided. Canada stands by Israel and its people and reaffirms its commitment to their security.”
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Quick facts
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With these new measures, Canada has sanctioned 200 Iranian individuals and 250 Iranian entities.
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In 2012, Canada designated Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act. Along with the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act, this listing allows victims to bring civil action against Iran for losses or damages from an act of terrorism with links to Iran committed anywhere in the world.
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In November 2022, Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has engaged in terrorism and systematic and gross human rights violations, pursuant to subparagraph 35(1)(b) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). This means that tens of thousands of senior members of the Iranian regime, including many members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are inadmissible to Canada.
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