Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has criticised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The dispute followed comments about a US threat against Iran. The Iranian FM spokesperson rebukes Canadian PM for calling ‘annihilation’ threat ‘language of war’ after Carney described the remarks in those terms. Baghaei responded to Carney in a post on X on Thursday. He accused the Canadian leader of reframing the threat against Iran.
The Iranian official said Carney should understand the consequences of ignoring what Tehran considers a serious threat.
Baghaei also criticised Canada for its position toward Washington. He said Carney had chosen to appease the United States instead of condemning its actions. The dispute follows remarks linked to US President Donald Trump. Trump warned during his United Nations General Assembly speech that Iran could face annihilation.
Trump made the warning while discussing negotiations with Tehran. He also repeated his opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Carney was asked about Trump’s remarks concerning Iran. He said there was already a war underway. He described Trump’s comments as speaking the language of war.
That wording drew a direct response from Tehran. Baghaei said those who relied on American pressure would eventually face the consequences of their choices. He also used broader historical language about Iran’s resistance to foreign pressure. The Iranian spokesperson described Iran as a country that had continued to resist coercion. He warned about what he called the consequences of allowing force to replace diplomacy.
The exchange comes as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high. Washington has continued its pressure campaign against Tehran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American sanctions were affecting Iran’s international airline operations. He also said Washington was applying financial and military pressure.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued to discuss possible diplomatic options. A senior Iranian official said Tehran was reviewing Washington’s response to its peace proposals. The official said Iran’s proposals included lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Tehran also wants the Strait of Hormuz reopened. The Strait remains an important part of the wider crisis. Shipping activity there has stayed below its recent average.
Before the current conflict, the waterway handled around 125 large commercial vessels daily. It also carried a major share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Canada has separately criticised Iran’s regional activities. Ottawa said earlier this month that it would maintain pressure on Tehran. Canada also said it supports efforts to improve regional security.
Diplomatic tensions continue across the region. The latest exchange highlights the sharp differences between Iran and Western governments. It also shows how statements from international leaders are becoming part of the wider diplomatic dispute.
For now, Iran and the United States remain divided over how to end the conflict. Diplomatic efforts are continuing alongside military and economic pressure.
Read more about Trump saying Israel and Iran must “Stop shooting” and the latest developments in the conflict.