Iran criticized Canada for endorsing US military actions in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei accused Ottawa of yielding to intimidation.

Baghaei characterized Canada’s position as a display of strategic confusion on X. He linked this stance to President Donald Trump’s recent map superimposing the US flag over North America.

Diplomatic Tensions Escalate

Baghaei stated that Canada chose to appease its neighbor on the same day Trump demonstrated contempt for Canadian sovereignty. He questioned why Canada would back Washington given past experiences of American bad faith.

The Iranian spokesperson challenged Canada’s credibility as a defender of international law. He cautioned that supporting US aggression would not shield Canada from American bullying.

Regional Military Developments

The EU endorsed efforts to curb Iran’s destabilizing activities during G20 finance ministers’ meeting in Asheville. This included support for Operation Economic Outcast to increase pressure on Tehran.

Iran warned South Korea against military involvement in the Persian Gulf. Tehran stated such participation would have serious consequences for Seoul.

Potential Korean Deployment

Seoul is reportedly considering potential military contributions to secure the strategic waterway. Options include combat, noncombat, and search operations in the region.

Escalating Conflict Risks

Yemen’s Houthis attacked energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, wounding over 70 people. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned of a maritime exclusion zone.

Rezaei stated that economic warfare would be met by a blockade perimeter across the Persian Gulf. Iran and Oman are nearing a deal for a temporary safe shipping route.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted the imminent downfall of the Iranian regime on Sunday, asserting that this shift will bring significant changes to the Middle East. He stated that Israel is determined to achieve the regime’s collapse through continuous operations.

Speaking during a government toast preceding Rosh Hashanah, Netanyahu indicated that Israel’s current strength is at its zenith while its adversaries are at their weakest. He attributed the removal of atomic bombs and ballistic missiles from above Israel to combined efforts with the United States.

Strategic Posture and Threats

Netanyahu claimed that Israel has completed "80-90% of the work" related to neutralizing the threat from Iran’s nuclear program, based on an earlier interview with i24 News. He emphasized the need to finish the remaining work, describing Iran as "the head of the octopus."

The Prime Minister stated that Israeli pilots are ready to strike Iran at any time. Although he acknowledged that Iran or other enemies pose no immediate threats, he warned they could "suffer a blow they don’t even imagine" if they attack Israel.

Iran’s Economic Strain

Iran’s economy is under severe strain six months into its war with the U.S. and Israel. The crisis is primarily driven by a near-total oil export blockade imposed by the U.S. military. President Donald Trump described this pressure as "economic D-Day," aiming to force Tehran into concessions.

Iranian sources told Reuters that limited foreign-currency reserves and reduced access to U.S. dollars are worsening the country’s cash-flow crisis. Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would respond more aggressively to any attacks on its interests or security.