Canada suspends diplomatic ties with Iran

Canada says it has closed its embassy in Iran and will expel all remaining Iranian diplomats from Canada within five days.

Foreign minister John Baird says he made the decision to suspend diplomatic ties with Iran because the country threatened global security.

"Canada views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today," Mr Baird said.

Mr Baird cited Iran's nuclear program, sponsorship of terrorism, threats to Israel and its military assistance to the Syrian government, which is locked in a conflict with rebels.

He also acknowledged that he is nervous about the continued safety of Canadian diplomats in Tehran following attacks on the British embassy there last November.

Mr Baird accused Iran of showing blatant disregard for the safety of foreign diplomats.

Britain's embassy in Tehran has been closed since it was stormed by protesters last November.

"Under the circumstances, Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran," he said.

"Iranian diplomats in Ottawa have been instructed to leave within five days."

Canada's 10 diplomats have already left Tehran, according to the Canadian foreign ministry.

There are currently 17 Iranian diplomats in Canada.

Mr Baird said Canada's actions were not linked to growing speculation that Israel might launch an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

"Unequivocally, we have no information about a military strike on Iran," a spokesman said.

'Bold move'

Canada's Conservative government has long had very poor relations with Iran, arch-enemy of close Canadian ally Israel.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Canada's action, calling it a bold leadership move that sends a clear message to Iran and the entire world.

"The determination shown by Canada is of great importance in order for the Iranians to understand that they cannot go on with their race toward nuclear arms," he said.

"This practical step must set an example of international morality and responsibility to the international community."

Israel, believed to be the only nuclear-armed state in the Middle East, sees the possibility of Iran developing an atomic bomb as a threat to its existence and has said it may use military means if diplomacy and sanctions fail.

The Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran, an Iranian dissident group, urged European and Middle Eastern nations to follow Canada's initiative.

"Severing relations with the religious dictatorship ruling Iran and standing by the Iranian people... are the only way to rid the world of a terrorist and fundamentalist regime," the council said.

The United States has not had a functioning embassy in Tehran since the 1979-81 hostage crisis, when 52 Americans were held for 444 days.