OTTAWA - Canada will not re-establish diplomatic relations with Iran, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand. During a session with the Senate's foreign affairs committee, Anand emphasized that the country's primary focus regarding Iran is to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Anand noted that diplomatic ties were severed by the Harper government in 2012. Senator Peter Harder expressed concerns that this decision has hindered Canada’s ability to gather intelligence in Iran for its allies.

In response to senators who suggested that Canada has shifted away from its commitment to human rights in favor of investments from Gulf nations, Anand defended the government's stance. Senator Mary Coyle questioned why Prime Minister Mark Carney has not referred to Canada as having a feminist foreign policy. Anand responded by stating that Canada continues to prioritize human rights issues in its diplomatic efforts.

Anand is scheduled to answer additional questions later today at the House foreign affairs committee.

This report was first published on November 27, 2025.