Iran says it is ‘ready for talks’ about renewing relations with Canada, but Ottawa must make 1st move
Iran has expressed its willingness to engage in talks with Canada in order to renew long dormant diplomatic relations between the two countries, but the Iranian government has made it clear that it is waiting for Canada to make the first move.
Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, stated during a recent media briefing in Tehran that the decision to freeze the relationship between the two countries was made unilaterally by Canada, not by Iran. He emphasized that Iran never welcomed this decision, as it was not in the best interest of either nation.
Baghaei responded to a question from CBC News regarding the possibility of restoring diplomatic relations with Canada. He stated, “I think it’s for Canada to decide what course of action they want to take. I think the first step they have to take is to unravel the many sanctions and restraints that they have imposed on themselves and on our bilateral relations.”
However, experts and Canadian diplomats believe that it is unlikely for Canada to take the first step towards renewing relations with Iran. Ottawa severed diplomatic ties with Iran in 2012, citing reasons such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions, support for the Assad regime, and human rights abuses.
Recent efforts to restore talks between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran’s nuclear program have raised hopes among ordinary Iranians for an end to their country’s isolation and economic hardships. Many Iranians are hopeful that Canada will consider re-establishing an embassy in Iran, as it would benefit the approximately 300,000 Iranian Canadians who currently face difficulties in obtaining visas to visit their families in Canada.
Despite the optimism for improved relations, there are concerns among some Iranians, particularly those advocating for democratic change, that closer ties with the West could prolong the life of Iran’s theocracy rather than lead to reform.
Khosro Malek, a businessman who lost his daughter on Ukrainian Flight PS752 when it was shot down by Iranian forces in 2020, is demanding justice for the victims. He believes that the plane was either targeted or knowingly put in harm’s way to shield Iran from American retaliation.
Malek and other family members of the victims have faced harassment and intimidation from Iranian authorities. They have petitioned the International Criminal Court to investigate the downing of the plane as a possible war crime.
The Iranian government has acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue surrounding Flight PS752 and has expressed a desire for respectful talks with Canada to address the strained relations between the two countries. However, Iran has criticized Canada for using the incident as political leverage against Iran and believes that diplomatic relations would have facilitated a more constructive dialogue.
As efforts continue to restore diplomatic relations between Iran and Canada, the families of the victims of Flight PS752 are still seeking accountability and justice for their loved ones. It remains to be seen whether the two countries will be able to overcome their differences and move towards reconciliation.
