Carney says Canada is at a disadvantage without diplomats in Iran
Canada-Iran diplomatic ties: Carney says absence of an embassy limits consular aid Ottawa won't reopen Tehran mission, but looks for better support for Canadians abroad
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada lacks leverage and consular support in places such as Iran because it has no diplomatic presence there, but he says the government is not considering reopening an embassy in Tehran.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said diplomatic engagement is not the same as endorsing a foreign government. He pointed to cases in Iran and Venezuela, saying the absence of Canadian diplomats can make it harder to help Canadians abroad and sometimes forces Ottawa to rely on other countries for assistance.
Global Affairs Canada said earlier this week that reopening an embassy in Iran is not currently under consideration. The department said contact with Iran remains limited to consular issues, human rights and nuclear nonproliferation, while Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the government is exploring ways to better serve Canadians internationally.