Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday that his government is considering reopening embassies in Iran and Venezuela, citing the lack of diplomatic representation as a barrier to effectively assisting Canadian citizens and responding to humanitarian crises. Carney emphasized the importance of diplomacy and consular services as essential tools for protecting nationals abroad and managing international emergencies.
Speaking to reporters, Carney highlighted Venezuela as an example where Canada’s absence limited rapid response capabilities, particularly during recent earthquake relief efforts. While no final decision has been made, he indicated that the government is reevaluating its policy, stating that reopening embassies is a decision that needs to be seriously considered.
Canada severed ties with Iran in 2012 under then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper amid rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program and its support for Israel. The closure included shutting down the Canadian embassy in Tehran and expelling Iranian diplomats from Ottawa. Analysts at the time suggested that Israel’s influence played a role in the decision. In 2015, following the nuclear agreement between Iran and global powers, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed intent to restore diplomatic relations, citing the lost political, economic, and cultural opportunities due to the prolonged closure. Despite multiple rounds of discussions during Trudeau’s tenure, formal diplomatic relations were never restored, leaving Canada without an embassy in Tehran for over a decade.
Canada also suspended its embassy operations in Caracas in 2019 after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government refused to renew visas for Canadian diplomats. According to Carney, Canada’s absence from countries with which it has significant political disagreements restricts its ability to assist Canadians and respond to evolving situations on the ground.
“There are several countries with whom we don’t see eye to eye, to put it mildly, where we don’t have representation,” Carney said, adding that this situation disadvantages Canada primarily in providing assistance to its citizens abroad. He underscored Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian challenges as a reason for maintaining a diplomatic presence capable of prompt response.
Carney also revealed that he spoke by phone on Wednesday with U.S. President Donald Trump, discussing preparations for the upcoming NATO summit and recent developments in Iran and the Middle East. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other senior American officials participated in the call.
If Canada proceeds with reopening its diplomatic missions in Tehran and Caracas, it would signal a notable shift in Ottawa’s foreign policy, reestablishing official channels that have been dormant for years despite intermittent advocacy for renewed engagement.