Strait of Hormuz
Canada sanctions five Iranian officials over Strait of Hormuz navigation restrictions
Ottawa: Canada has imposed sanctions on five Iranian individuals, including senior officials linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, over activities Ottawa says have threatened navigation rights and stability around the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced the measures Friday under Canada’s Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, targeting individuals involved in military, legal and communications activities that Canada says undermine international peace, security and stability.
The sanctions come amid continued international concern over Iran’s actions in and around the strategically important waterway, a key route for global trade and energy supplies.
"Freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is essential to global trade and energy security," Anand said. She called on Iran to de-escalate and respect international navigation rights.
Canada said the latest measures are aligned with efforts by its allies and partners to counter Iran’s destabilising activities and malign influence in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Ottawa also said it would continue working with international partners on diplomatic efforts to uphold freedom of navigation under international law and would support efforts to stabilise the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit.
The Canadian government said the restrictions have been widely condemned by Canada and the international community.
In statements issued in March and June, G7 foreign ministers, including Canada’s, reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding maritime routes and ensuring safe navigation around the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Maritime Organization has also raised concerns over the situation.
According to the Canadian government, the IMO secretary-general called in April for the release of about 20,000 seafarers unable to leave the Persian Gulf and announced an evacuation plan for seafarers in June.
With the latest measures, Canada has now sanctioned 232 Iranian individuals and 260 Iranian entities under its Iran sanctions regulations.
Canada designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code and designated Iran as a foreign state supporter of terrorism under the State Immunity Act, a designation the government reconfirmed in December 2025.
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