Canada sanctions five Iranians for obstructing navigation in Strait of Hormuz

OTTAWA, Canada — Canada's Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on five Iranian nationals, including senior officials and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, for activities obstructing freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz. According to the ministry, the individuals were involved in military, legal and communications activities deemed to undermine international peace, security and stability. Foreign Minister Anita Anand said free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is essential to global trade and energy security. She confirmed the sanctions took effect on August 14 and called on Iran to de-escalate tensions and respect international navigation rights. The ministry said the designations bring the number of Iranian individuals sanctioned under Canada's Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations to 232, and Iranian entities listed to 260. The names of the five newly sanctioned individuals were not disclosed. Canada severed diplomatic relations with Iran in 2012.