Canadians Evacuate as U.S.-Israel War with Iran Enters Eighth Day
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – As the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues, a growing number of Canadians are leaving the Middle East, utilizing air, land, and even foot travel to exit the region. Global Affairs Canada reports 109,889 Canadians have registered with the government’s voluntary registration system, with 9,185 requesting assistance, including 5,267 seeking help to leave.
The war, which began with joint U.S.-Israel airstrikes on February 28 that killed Iran’s supreme leader, has resulted in at least 1,230 deaths in Iran, 397 in Lebanon, and 11 in Israel, according to officials. Six U.S. and two Israeli soldiers have also been killed.
The conflict is expanding beyond initial targets, with recent attacks widening to include civilian infrastructure. Bahrain accused Iran on Sunday of striking a desalination plant vital for drinking water in Gulf nations. Saudi Arabia reported its first casualties, with a military projectile killing two workers of Indian and Bangladeshi nationality and wounding 12 others from Bangladesh. Foreign residents and workers have comprised the majority of deaths in Gulf nations so far.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed Sunday that, as of yet, no Canadians have been reported injured or killed in the conflict. However, the agency is actively working to facilitate departures.
Canadians are leaving through multiple routes. Three ground transports took place over the weekend, and four buses departed Qatar for Saudi Arabia on Saturday and Sunday, carrying a total of 101 Canadians. A chartered flight from Dubai to Istanbul on Saturday carried 93 Canadians. Additionally, 182 Canadians have crossed land borders, primarily walking from Israel to Egypt, and 32 have left Iran for Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, or Turkmenistan.
The Canadian government has also reserved seats on commercial flights leaving the region, and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced Friday that unused seats would be offered to citizens of other nations. Flights between Beirut and Istanbul on Friday and Saturday carried 51 confirmed Canadian passengers, with another 31 on a flight from Beirut to Istanbul on Sunday.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian initially apologized for attacks on neighboring Gulf states, but swiftly faced contradiction from hardliners within Iran, who asserted the country’s war strategy would remain unchanged. Pezeshkian later stated that increased pressure on Iran would only strengthen its response, urging neighboring states to avoid involvement in the conflict despite U.S. strikes originating from the region.
The situation remains volatile, and Global Affairs Canada continues to deploy consular officials to countries bordering Iran to assist Canadians seeking to leave.
