Iran condemns Canada, Australia, and New Zealand's 'dual approach' on Israel

Iran has condemned the "dual approach" taken by Canada, Australia, and New Zealand regarding the Islamic Republic’s military response to an Israeli airstrike on its diplomatic mission in Syria back in April. 

Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kana’ni said on Monday that the selective application of international norms by these Western countries, along with their troubling support for the apartheid regime in Israel, does not contribute to easing tensions in the region.

Instead, he argued, this double-standard approach will further encourage the Israeli aggressor to commit more war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

In a joint statement on Friday, prime ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand called for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and warned about the risk of expanded conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

They also criticized Iran for what they called “destabilizing actions” in the region

“We condemn Iran’s attack against Israel of April 13-14,” they said, referring to a barrage of missiles and drones that Iran launched towards the Israeli occupied territories in retaliation of an earlier airstrike on its diplomatic premises in Damascus that killed several Iranian military advisors, including two senior commanders.

Kana’ni pointed out that the baseless accusations made by Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are particularly concerning given that they keep supplying weapons to Israel, effectively making them complicit in the war crimes being committed against Palestinians in Gaza.

"By supporting the occupation of the Zionist regime in Palestine and disregarding the historical and legitimate right of the Palestinian people to determine their own destiny, they have undermined stability and security in the region," he said.

Kanaani also highlighted the troubling track record of the three US allies elsewhere in the region, citing their direct and indirect involvement in aggressive wars against Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said Iran remains committed to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, but asserted that the country will strongly protect its national security and legitimate interests against any unlawful use of force.