Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday reiterated his desire to see Canada’s Embassy reopen in Tehran, but said reestablishing relations with Iran is a long process that is just beginning.
Trudeau made the statement on Monday at a global town hall hosted by Huffington Post Canada.
Trudeau was also asked about his government’s decision to lift some sanctions against Iran and start the process of restoring diplomatic relations severed by the past government of Stephen Harper.
“I think Canada is sending exactly the right signal,” Trudeau answered, adding that Canada needs to engage with nations that it believes pose a security challenge to the world.
“You need to have opportunities to put pressure, to tell them where they’re going wrong, to tell them how to start going right,” he said.
“You don’t get to do that by crossing your arms and shouting indiscriminately and hoping they hear.”
In addition, Trudeau called the nuclear deal between Iran and major powers an “excellent step” to curb Iran’s nuclear program.
