Canada PM Carney says unable to rule out military role in Iran war | Military News
Canadian Prime Minister Addresses Potential Military Involvement Amid Middle East Conflict
CANBERRA — Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Thursday that Canada might consider military involvement in the ongoing Middle East conflict, while criticizing recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran as “inconsistent with international law.”
During a press briefing alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, Carney was asked if there were circumstances under which Canada would engage in military action. He responded, “One can never categorically rule out participation,” while emphasizing that such scenarios remain hypothetical.
Carney remarked, “We will stand by our allies,” reiterating Canada’s commitment to the security of its citizens. He previously expressed support for the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran but noted this came with “some regret” due to the broader implications for global stability.
The prime minister clarified that Canada had not been notified in advance of the attacks on Iran and was not asked to participate. “We were not informed in advance,” Carney told reporters. He condemned the targeting of civilians and urged all parties involved to adhere to international engagement rules.
“Prima facie, it appears that these actions are inconsistent with international law,” he stated, adding that the determination of the legality of these actions is ultimately for others to decide.
In related developments, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced efforts to assist over 2,000 Canadians seeking to leave the Middle East since the conflict escalated. The majority of requests for assistance have come from the United Arab Emirates, followed by inquiries from Qatar, Lebanon, Israel, and Iran.
Anand disclosed that the Foreign Ministry has been tasked with arranging charter flights from the UAE, pending approval for airspace use. In light of the conflict, commercial air traffic has significantly diminished, severely impacting travel across the region, where major hubs like Dubai remain largely shut down.
Foreign governments, including Britain and France, are also organizing repatriation flights, with safe air corridors recently established by the UAE for returning citizens. Under normal circumstances, thousands of commercial flights would operate from the region daily.
