Iranian deeds, not words, are the key to thawing relations with the West: Harper

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he will encourage diplomatic efforts to settle the Iranian nuclear question, but he warns that Iran must be judged by deeds, not words.

U.S. President Barack Obama is reaching out to the new Iranian president Hasan Rouhani as a potential force for positive developments in the troubled relationship between Iran and the West.

Harper says such diplomatic efforts are important, but he says the West must look carefully at the Iranian government.

He says Iranian actions will be the key in negotiations over the ongoing dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Harper also says he has no immediate plans to re-open the Canadian embassy in Tehran.

Canada broke off diplomatic relations with Iran a year ago, saying there were fears for the safety of Canadian diplomats.