Canada Makes 'Bold Move': Severs Ties with Iran

Canada has officially suspended all of its diplomatic relation with Iran, closing down its embassy in Iran while ordering the expulsion of all Iranian diplomats from Canada.

In a scathing statement, Canada's foreign minister John Baird called Iran "the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today" -- castigating Iran's nuclear program, its constant threats against Israel, its violation against human rights and its material support for terrorist groups.

Allowing all Iranian diplomats five days to leave Canada, Baird's message was unequivocal.

Baird confirmed that all Canadian diplomats have already left Iran, and he further warned all Canadian nationals to refrain from travelling to Iran.

"The Iranian regime has shown blatant disregard for the Vienna Convention and its guarantee of protection for diplomatic personnel... Our diplomats serve Canada as civilians, and their safety is our number one priority," Baird said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swiftly praised Canada's move on Friday.

"I congratulate Canada's PM [Stephen] Harper for showing leadership and making a bold move that sends a clear message to Iran and the world," Netanyahu stated.

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

Canada has long been a close ally with Israel, and has criticized Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's incendiary statements against Israel.

Baird also emphasized Canada's strong disapproval of Iran's increasing military assistance to the Assad regime in Syria, which has been engaged in a brutal war against rebel groups for the past 18 months.

The latest incident adds to Iran's increasing isolation in the world. The U.S. has not had a functioning embassy in Tehran since the hostage crisis of 1979 during the Islamic revolution, while Great Britain's embassy in Tehran has been closed since it was stormed by protesters last November.