Canada Intensifies Gulf Diplomacy for Peace and Strait of Hormuz Reopening

"Diplomacy is the art of the possible," stated Canada's Foreign Minister Anita Anand, encapsulating the core of recent discussions with regional partners. These talks aim to de-escalate Middle Eastern tensions, counter Iranian aggression, and re-establish freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking from Dubai during a visit to the UAE, Minister Anand emphasized Canada's firm opposition to Iranian attacks and its commitment to the complete reopening of the strait, a critical artery for global energy supplies and trade. "We are in a phase of our foreign policy where we are deeply engaged with countries around the world to ensure that we are standing for peace, standing for state sovereignty and that we show our promise that we are here for them," she remarked, explaining the purpose of her visit. During her trip, Ms. Anand met with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability, noting that relations between Canada and the UAE have been "consistently elevated." This increased diplomatic engagement between Canada and the UAE comes amid heightened regional tensions, with both governments examining the implications for security and stability across the Middle East. The push to strengthen ties also saw Prime Minister Mark Carney travel to the UAE in November 2025, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader in over four decades. Mr. Carney's government has also focused on bolstering investment ties with the Gulf while reducing its dependence on the US market. "But over and above trade, there is the question of regional stability and the importance of speaking out against the retaliatory attacks from Iran and making sure that we also support freedom of navigation in your [the UAE’s] backyard, in the Strait of Hormuz," Ms. Anand added. She commended the UAE and other Gulf states for their resilience in maintaining daily life while firmly responding to Iranian aggression. "I greatly respect the ability of each of the countries who are being hit by these attacks, including the UAE, to continue to live lives as normally as possible on the one hand, but to take a strong stand against these attacks on the other," she said. Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy sites and airports, in its Gulf neighbors. Despite a US-Iran agreement in June aimed at paving the way for a peace settlement, attacks, particularly on shipping, have persisted, accompanied by threats exchanged between Washington and Tehran. The conflict has also spilled over into an escalation between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis, with the Iran-backed group launching repeated attacks on the kingdom. Ms. Anand conveyed Canada's concern over the attacks on Saudi Arabia, especially the strikes on Riyadh airport, and confirmed she had been in touch with the kingdom's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, to offer Canada's support. "Well, of course, the attacks that Saudi Arabia specifically is enduring are very, very concerning," she stated. Canada's concerns extend to Iran's broader regional behavior, with Ms. Anand reiterating Ottawa's long-standing opposition to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its human rights record. She noted that Canada has taken action against individuals and entities associated with repression and rights abuses, and that the IRGC has been designated a terrorist entity under Canadian law for over two years. "We are particularly concerned with Iranian women and girls. And we will continue to voice that concern," she affirmed. Canada has implemented sanctions against Iran for alleged rights abuses, repression, and activities deemed a threat to regional security, with the latest measures in September targeting five individuals and five entities involved in digital surveillance and other rights violations. "I'd like to present Canada as a country that cares deeply about the region and the respect for international law and international human rights," Ms. Anand declared. Humanitarian assistance remains a priority for Canada in the Middle East, with the situation in Gaza being among the topics discussed during her visit. The UAE has provided over $4 billion in assistance to Gaza since the launch of Operation Gallant Knight 3, representing 46 percent of global humanitarian aid to the enclave since 2023. Ms. Anand also raised concerns regarding Lebanon, specifically the actions of Iran-backed Hezbollah, and mentioned Canada's provision of approximately $40 million in humanitarian aid to the country. Regarding Syria, Ms. Anand indicated that Canada is in the process of relaxing some sanctions previously imposed during the rule of former president Bashar Al Assad, as part of Ottawa's rapprochement efforts with Damascus. "I have invited the Foreign Minister of Syria [Asaad Al Shibani] to come to Canada, and we are working on establishing a date for that meeting," she announced. Minister Anand concluded by stating Canada's desire to continue collaborating with regional partners to foster stability, uphold sovereignty, and ensure adherence to international law.