NewsCanada and G7 hit Iran with sweeping sanctions after Israel attack

Canada and G7 hit Iran with sweeping sanctions after Israel attack

In response to the attack on Israel on April 14, Canada, in coordination with G7 nations such as the USA and the United Kingdom, has unveiled a new set of sanctions against Iran, as stated by the Canadian Foreign Ministry. These measures affect 200 Iranian individuals and 250 entities.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly

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PRC

5:26 PM EDT, April 26, 2024

The announcement came from the Canadian Foreign Ministry on Thursday, outlining the introduction of sanctions tied to Iran's actions against Israel earlier in the year.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed deep concern over Iran's actions, highlighting the potential they have to escalate tensions and violence within the region. "This should be avoided. Canada stands with Israel and its people and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring its security," Joly remarked in the statement.

The ministry's statement detailed the extensive and unprecedented nature of the April 14 attack on Israel, attributing responsibility to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for the drone and missile onslaught. Additionally, Iran-supported groups such as the Houthis, Hezbollah, and associated militias in Iraq were noted for their roles in launching highly coordinated but more limited attacks.

More sanctions for Iran

The sanctions include key figures such as Iran's Minister of Defense, Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, and General Gholam Ali Rashida, commander of the engineering firm Khatam al-Anbia, which is overseen by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The measures also encompass the Khatam al-Anbia firm itself and the general staff of the Iranian military.

Canada's implementation of these sanctions aligns with the actions taken by other G7 countries, including the USA and the United Kingdom, on Thursday. This collective effort targets 200 Iranian individuals and 250 entities implicated in the recent aggressive acts.

Canada has viewed Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism since 2012 and escalated its stance in 2022 by recognizing Tehran as a regime engaged in terrorist activities alongside persistent human rights abuses. As a result, many officials and Revolutionary Guards members face entry bans into Canada.