Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei criticized Canada’s support for the US-led war against Iran, describing Canada as Washington’s “farm team.” In a post on X on August 17, he mocked Ottawa’s relationship with the United States and questioned Canada’s role in the US-led military action.

Baghaei used a term from ice hockey, where a farm team is described as a smaller team affiliated with a national-level side and a place for younger players to gain training and experience. He wrote that Washington calls Canada the 51st US state, imposes tariffs on Canadian goods, and humiliates Canada over wildfire smoke while threatening punishment.

According to Baghaei, Ottawa’s response to those actions was, “Understood, sir!” He further alleged that Canada was joining what he called an “illegal and discretionary war” led by the United States against Iran in order to satisfy Washington. The Iranian spokesperson ended his post by asking Canada what reward it would receive in return.