Reasons? Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said this: "The Iranian regime has shown blatant disregard for the Vienna Convention and its guarantee of protection for diplomatic personnel," he said.
"Under the circumstances, Canada can no longer maintain a diplomatic presence in Iran. Our diplomats serve Canada as civilians and their safety is our No. 1 priority."
He also condemned the regime as a sponsor of terrorism.
"Canada views the government of Iran as the most significant threat to global peace and security in the world today," he said.
He recited a litany of complaints about Iran, including its support for the Assad regime in Syria, its nuclear program, its threats to Israel and its abysmal human rights record.
"The Iranian regime is providing increasing military assistance to the Assad regime," Baird said.
