OTTAWA – Canada may be the target of retaliation after its decision to sever diplomatic ties with Iran, according to officials quoted by Tehran-based news agencies.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the head of Iran's parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, said there could be an "immediate and decisive" response to Canada's action according to Fars news agency.

Canadian officials, however, have yet to respond to this threat.

The Canadian government signalled it would close its embassy in Tehran on Friday, citing a number of concerns including the country’s nuclear program, its hostility towards Israel and its alleged military assistance in Syria.

Iran’s embassy in Ottawa has also been shuttered.

The Conservative government said it views Iran as “the most significant threat to global peace and security” in the world and listed it as a state sponsor of terrorism.

“Ever since the attack on the British Embassy (last year), I have been increasingly concerned about the safety of our diplomats,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper told reporters in Russia.

“Since last year, we've been scaling back our presence. This is the best decision in terms of our ability to protect our people and conduct foreign policy."

The suspension of relations, however, has raised concern about the fate of three Canadians on death row in Iranian prisons.

Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird maintains Canada's actions are not linked to growing speculation that Israel may launch an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.
-- with files from Reuters