Canada Backs US, Israel Strikes on Iran, Expresses Regret Over Lack of Consultation
CANBERRA, Australia – Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney reaffirmed his country’s support for recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, while simultaneously voicing regret over the lack of prior consultation and questioning the strikes’ adherence to international law. Speaking to reporters in Canberra on Tuesday, Carney framed the actions as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and supporting terrorism, but acknowledged a broader failure of international diplomacy.
“We support efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security,” Carney stated, emphasizing that Canada is responding to “the world as it is.”
However, the Prime Minister was critical of the decision by the U.S. and Israel to proceed with the strikes without engaging the United Nations or key allies, including Canada. “We were not informed in advance. We were not asked to participate. Prima facie, it appears that these actions are inconsistent with international law,” he said.
Carney’s comments come after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on targets within Iran over the weekend, escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East. The strikes were in response to Iran’s growing nuclear program and its support for regional proxy groups.
The Prime Minister linked the current conflict to a wider breakdown in the international order, a theme he previously highlighted in a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January. He stressed that while Canada supports preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, this position is not a “blank cheque” for further action.
While not characterizing Iran’s nuclear program as an “imminent threat,” Carney warned that a nuclear-armed Iran would represent “the biggest threat” to international security, citing decades of concerns over the regime’s support for terrorism. He acknowledged the program’s secretive nature, noting “Nobody has a civil nuclear program that’s buried a mile beneath the desert.”
Carney called for a “rapid de-escalation of hostilities” and offered Canada’s assistance in achieving this goal. He underscored the need for a broader political solution and diplomatic engagement to avoid a wider conflict, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians and finding lasting agreements to address both nuclear proliferation and terrorism.
“Resolution of this crisis will require commitment to a broader political solution, and diplomatic engagement is essential to avoid a wider and deeper conflict,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks reflect a complex balancing act – supporting key allies while upholding principles of international law and emphasizing the importance of multilateralism.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Politico reported on Canada’s backing of the U.S. actions. CBC News also covered the story, noting the context of recent attacks on Iran. Global News detailed international reactions to the strikes.
