Canada and allies urge Iran to lift Strait of Hormuz blockade amid rising tensions and oil price spikes.

Canada and six other countries have told Iran to stop blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which is an important shipping route for the whole world. They have also said they are ready to help make sure that ships can safely pass through. The statement, which Prime Minister Mark Carney supports, comes at a time when tensions are rising after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran led to Iranian attacks on oil infrastructure and disrupted energy supplies. Canada hasn't promised to get directly involved, but Defense Minister David McGuinty said that if Iran's neighbors ask, Canada might help them through NATO. Anita Anand, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that Canada is focused on de-escalation, protecting civilians, and minimizing the damage to the global economy. A diplomatic framework will be discussed at the next G7 meeting in Paris. The blockade has caused oil prices to go up around the world and made people more worried about how it will affect people and the supply chain.