Canada targets the Iranian Defense Minister as part of a new round of sanctions imposed after the country's retaliatory attack on Israel earlier this month.

The sanctions affect two institutions and military leaders, and come a week after Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced that Canada would target more Iranians.

Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani and the country's high military body have been added to the newly imposed sanctions list, in coordination with countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.

The sanctions follow a barrage of missiles and drones launched by Iran on April 13 against Israel in its first direct attack on the country.

This came after an airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria, which was widely attributed to Israel.

The sanctions prevent the listed individuals and entities from entering Canada or engaging in any economic dealings with Canadians.

Joly stated in a press release: "Whether directly or through its agents, Iran's behavior is deeply concerning and risks escalating regional tensions and violence."

Joly's department indicates that the attack on Israel was carried out by a branch of the Iranian army known as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Conservatives have repeatedly pressured Ottawa to list the group as a terrorist organization.

A branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard is already on the list, and Liberals recently stated that they are considering the possibility of listing the entire organization.

However, they have long said that doing so would affect a large number of people who have no choice but to join the organization, including non-combat roles.