Anand condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf shipping as 'unacceptable' during Saudi visit

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Iran's recent attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz are "unacceptable" and "unjustified," as tensions continue to rise across the Persian Gulf.

Speaking to reporters in Jeddah on Thursday after meeting with Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Anand said Canada stands with Gulf countries facing escalating regional security threats. She said that while ceasefires are often fragile, attacks on civilian shipping cannot be justified.

According to Anand, the latest violence follows renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran. The U.S. carried out airstrikes against Iranian targets early Thursday, while Tehran responded with attacks directed at Gulf countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iranian attacks on commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes, had effectively ended a ceasefire between the two countries.

Prime Minister Mark Carney also addressed the conflict during the NATO summit on Wednesday, describing Iran's actions as "irresponsible" and calling the U.S. military response "appropriate."