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Canada has publicly criticized Iran for what it called 'destabilizing actions in the Middle East,' with Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne issuing a joint statement vowing to maintain 'significant pressure' on Tehran. The statement did not specify new sanctions but reaffirmed Ottawa's alignment with allied pressure campaigns against Iran. Iran's foreign ministry hit back, with spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei accusing Canada of 'appeasing' a 'bullying neighbour' — the United States — by issuing the statement. Baqaei noted the timing, saying it came on the same day the US president had described Canada as effectively part of the United States, and suggested Ottawa's rhetoric toward Iran was an attempt to placate Washington rather than an independent position.