Canada reaffirms support for Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

Statement

May 8, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement:

“Canada supports an effective rules-based international order, and believes that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) is essential to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapons capability and to ensure greater regional and global security.

“Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. The JCPOA has subjected Iran’s nuclear program to a rigorous and unprecedented international verification regime by the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

“The JCPOA, agreed to with Iran in 2015 and endorsed by the UN Security Council, is not perfect. It has, however, helped to curb a real threat to international peace and security.

“At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting two weeks ago, all countries agreed: 'We are committed to permanently ensuring that Iran's nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful, in line with its Non Proliferation Treaty obligations and its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.'

“Canada regrets that the United States has decided to withdraw from the JCPOA, particularly given that, according to the IAEA, Iran continues to implement its JCPOA commitments.

“Canada condemns Iran’s ongoing development of its ballistic missile program and its ballistic missile launches, which are destabilizing for the region. Canada maintains sanctions that target Iran’s ballistic missile programs.

“We continue to oppose Iran’s support for terrorist organizations, its threats toward Israel, and its support for the Assad regime in Syria. We will continue to work closely with our allies and partners to hold Iran to account.”

Quick facts

  • Canada has provided $11.5 million in voluntary contributions in support of the IAEA’s JCPOA mandate. 

Associated links

Contacts

Adam Austen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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