Canada imposes sanctions on Iran’s Defence Minister and other officials following missile strike on Israel
Canada has implemented new sanctions targeting Iran’s defence minister in response to the country’s retaliatory attack on Israel earlier this month.
The sanctions impact two institutions and two military leaders, following Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly’s announcement last week that Canada would be taking action against more Iranians.
Iranian Defence Minister Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani and the country’s senior military body are among those sanctioned in collaboration with countries like the U.S. and the U.K.
These sanctions were imposed following the missile and drone attack by Iran on Israel on April 13, marking their first direct assault on the country. This came after an airstrike on Iran’s embassy in Syria, believed to be orchestrated by Israel.
The sanctions prohibit those listed individuals and entities from entering Canada or engaging in any economic transactions with Canadians.
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“Iran’s actions, whether done directly or through proxies, are deeply troubling and could lead to further escalation of regional tensions and violence,” stated Ms. Joly in a press release.
Ms. Joly’s department highlighted that the attack on Israel was carried out by a branch of Iran’s military known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Conservative party has been advocating for Ottawa to designate this group as a terrorist organization.
One branch of the IRGC is already on the sanctions list, and the Liberals have expressed interest in potentially adding the entire organization to the list.
However, concerns have been raised that this move may impact a significant number of individuals who were conscripted into the organization, including those serving in non-combat roles.
