Iranian FM Spokesperson Rebukes Canadian PM Over ‘Annihilation’ Threat to Iran
A sharp diplomatic clash has erupted between Iran and Canada after Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticised Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney over his description of a US threat against Iran as simply “the language of war.”
The exchange comes at a highly sensitive moment, with tensions between Iran and the United States remaining high while diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. US President Donald Trump recently warned that he could “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if a deal is not reached, while Iranian officials have continued to reject pressure and insist that Tehran remains committed to its stated position.
Carney’s comments about the threat have now drawn a forceful response from Tehran, adding another layer to an already complicated international crisis.
Iran Hits Back at Canada
Baghaei directly addressed Carney in a post on X on September 24, accusing the Canadian prime minister of “reframing” a threat to annihilate Iran instead of condemning what Tehran describes as US aggression.
The Iranian spokesperson argued that calling the statement “the language of war” did not adequately reflect the seriousness of the threat.
Baghaei also used unusually strong language against Ottawa, warning that countries relying on what he described as American power would eventually have to confront the consequences of their policies.
His remarks represented a clear rejection of Carney’s framing of the issue and highlighted the widening disagreement between Tehran and Western governments over how the current confrontation should be described.
Baghaei’s Message to Carney
In his statement, Baghaei accused the Canadian prime minister of trying to appease Washington.
He argued that Canada should have condemned the US threat rather than describing it as the language of war.
Baghaei went further, warning that countries which depend on US power could eventually find themselves exposed to the same pressure they currently tolerate.
The Iranian spokesperson also invoked Iran’s history of resisting external pressure, presenting his country as a state that has continued to resist coercion despite international pressure.
These statements were made by Baghaei and reflect the Iranian government’s position; they are not independently established descriptions of the motives of the Canadian or US governments.
What Did Mark Carney Say?
The dispute began after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was questioned about Donald Trump’s remarks concerning Iran.
Trump had used particularly severe language during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, presenting Tehran with a choice between reaching a deal and facing the possibility of overwhelming US military action.
Trump asked whether a deal would allow Iran to rebuild or whether the United States should “annihilate” the Islamic Republic.
Carney was subsequently asked whether Trump’s language had gone too far.
According to reporting on his remarks, Carney responded that a war was already taking place and said Trump was “speaking the language of war.”
That wording became the centre of Tehran’s criticism.
Why the ‘Annihilation’ Remark Matters
The controversy is not simply about one phrase.
Trump’s warning came at a time when Washington and Tehran remain locked in a broader confrontation involving military pressure, diplomacy, sanctions and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
For Iran, the language represents a direct threat to the country’s survival. For the United States, the statements have been presented in the context of pressure on Tehran to reach an agreement.
The contrasting interpretations have made diplomatic language increasingly important.
Carney’s choice of words — “the language of war” — acknowledged the severity of the rhetoric without directly adopting the Iranian interpretation of the US position. Tehran, however, viewed that distinction as insufficient and responded publicly.
Iran and the US Still Have a Diplomatic Channel
Despite the harsh rhetoric, diplomacy has not completely disappeared.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran was reviewing Washington’s response to Iranian proposals aimed at ending the hostilities. According to reporting, the proposals include issues surrounding the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
This creates a striking contrast.
On one side, officials continue to exchange increasingly strong public statements. On the other, diplomatic messages are still being passed between the two sides.
That combination — confrontation in public and negotiation behind closed doors — could become one of the defining features of the current crisis.
Tehran Says It Will Not Surrender
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also used strong language in response to US pressure.
Speaking at the United Nations, Pezeshkian said Tehran would not surrender to US pressure while maintaining that diplomacy remains possible.
His comments came shortly after Trump’s UN speech, adding to the growing war of words between Washington and Tehran.
The Iranian government has continued to present resistance to US pressure as a central part of its position, while Washington has continued pushing Tehran toward an agreement.
Strait of Hormuz Adds Another Layer to the Crisis
Beyond the diplomatic confrontation, the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, and shipping activity has dropped significantly during the current crisis.
Preliminary data reported on September 24 showed that only 10 commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. That figure was higher than the seven vessels recorded the previous day but remained below the 10-day average of around 17 vessels.
Before the current conflict began, the strait typically handled around 125 large commercial vessels each day, according to the reported shipping data.
Any prolonged disruption could therefore have consequences far beyond the Middle East.
Oil Markets Are Watching Closely
Financial markets have already been reacting to developments surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported that Brent crude rose almost 2% on Wednesday as traders assessed Iranian statements and the latest developments in the conflict.
Brent crude futures climbed to around $101 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate also moved higher.
The movement reflects how quickly geopolitical developments involving Iran can spill into global energy markets.
Canada Caught Between Washington and Tehran
The dispute also puts Canada in an increasingly complicated diplomatic position.
Canada remains closely connected to the United States politically, economically and strategically, while Carney has also been seeking a broader international role for Ottawa.
His recent comments