Canada

Photo: The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird leaves the room after announcing Canada is breaking diplomatic relations with Iran during an availability in Vladivostok, Russia, Friday September 7, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird says he's cutting ties with Iran amid worries about the safety of Canadian diplomats in the country.

Baird says the Canadian embassy in Tehran will close immediately and Iranian diplomats in Canada have been given five days to leave.

He says he's worried about the safety of diplomats in Tehran following recent attacks on the British embassy there.

He's also warning ordinary Canadians to avoid travel to Iran.

People seeking Canadian consular services in Iran are being directed to the embassy in Turkey.

Baird says Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism.