The Blogs: Canada's PM Mark Carney, Iran Is Not the Islamic Republic — and It Is Not for Sale | Shabnam Assadollahi

Canada’s PM, Mark Carney owes the Iranian people an apology.

In his October 28 joint statement with the United Arab Emirates, Canada’s prime minister backed the UAE’s claim over Abu Musa, Greater Tunb and Lesser Tunb—three islands in the Persian Gulf that Iran considers part of its national territory.

Mr. Carney had no business taking sides in this dispute as though Iran’s history and sovereignty were his to pronounce upon. Canada can have diplomatic relations with the UAE. It can pursue trade, investment and strategic partnerships. But none of that gives its prime minister the right to interfere in another country’s territorial affairs.

And let me make one thing absolutely clear: Iran is not the Islamic Republic.

I oppose the Islamic Republic and everything it has done to destroy Iran’s freedom, prosperity and national identity. I want this regime gone. I want Iran restored as a free, proud and sovereign nation. I support Pahlavi Constitutional Monarchy and Prince Reza Pahlavi’s vision for a national future beyond the rule of the Islamic Republic occupying Iran.

But opposing the Islamic Republic does not mean opposing Iran. It does not mean surrendering our territory, our history or our national interests. The Iranian people can reject the occupying illegal regime without giving foreign leaders permission to redraw their country’s map.

Iran existed long before 1979. Its history did not begin with the 1979 Islamic coup, and its territorial claims did not begin with the Islamic Republic Occupying Iran. The three islands have a history that goes back well before the Islamic Republic came to power. Their legal and historical circumstances are not identical, but Iran’s position on them is longstanding.

If Mr. Carney wants to speak about international law, he should be prepared to examine the full history rather than simply repeat another government’s position.

There is also a question of priorities. Canada has serious problems at home, and Canadians are entitled to ask why their prime minister is so eager to involve himself in disputes abroad while these problems remain.

Canada continues to struggle with high living costs, housing affordability, public debt, crime and public safety. And there is a shameful reality that should demand far more attention from Ottawa: First Nations communities in this country still face long-term drinking-water advisories. As of October 21, 2026, the federal government reported 39 active long-term advisories affecting 5,590 homes and 336 community buildings.

Think about that. In a wealthy country like Canada, some Indigenous families still cannot rely on safe drinking water from their taps.

This is not a problem that appeared overnight. It is a longstanding failure that successive governments have been unable to resolve. Canadians should expect their prime minister to put his attention and resources toward the people who elected him.

There are also difficult questions about national unity and Ottawa’s relationship with Quebec. These are real domestic responsibilities, not side issues to be addressed whenever convenient.

Canadians want affordable homes, safer communities, a stronger economy and clean drinking water for every community. They want a government focused on the country it was elected to serve.

Before Mr. Carney concerns himself with Iran’s territorial affairs, he should look at the unfinished business in his own country.

Canada’s relationship with the UAE is its own business. Trade agreements and investment deals are legitimate government objectives. But foreign investment should never come at the expense of fairness, historical accuracy or respect for another nation’s sovereignty.

Canada expects other countries to respect its borders and its independence. Iran has the same right to expect that respect. Sovereignty cannot be something a country defends for itself while casually disregarding it when another nation is involved.

And to those who mistake the Iranian people’s opposition to the Islamic Republic for weakness or an invitation to interfere, understand this: we are fighting to reclaim our country, not to hand it over to someone else.

We want an Iran free from the Islamic Republic. We want a government chosen by the Iranian people. We want our national pride, identity and dignity restored. The future of Iran belongs to Iranians—not to the Islamic clerics, not to the UAE, and certainly not to foreign politicians.

Mr. Carney, criticize the Islamic Republic if you wish. But do not confuse a hated dictatorship Islamic regime with an ancient nation. The Iranian people do not need foreign politicians deciding what belongs to Iran.

The Islamic Republic is temporary. Iran is not.

Iran was Iran before 1979. It will remain Iran after the Islamic Republic falls.

Fix Canada’s problems. Respect Iran’s sovereignty. Keep your hands off our land. Iran is not yours to bargain away.