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OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is closely monitoring the rapidly developing situation in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, urging Canadians in the region to take precautions while reaffirming Ottawa’s position on regional security.
In a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, the prime minister said the federal government is “closely following Iran-related hostilities throughout the Middle East” and urged Canadians in Iran to shelter in place and follow local advice. The statement said Canada considers Iran a principal source of instability in the region and reiterated that the country must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
The federal government said it supports efforts aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities while also calling for the protection of civilians and Canadian diplomatic missions in the region. The statement added that Canada will take “all possible measures” to protect Canadians abroad as the situation evolves.
Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre issued a separate statement backing military efforts against the Iranian regime, describing Tehran as a major source of terrorism and voicing support for democratic change in Iran. Poilievre said Conservatives support the people of Iran in pursuing a democratic and denuclearized future and expressed support for the United States, Israel and their allies.
Meanwhile, China is calling for an immediate ceasefire, warning the conflict risks spiralling into a broader regional crisis. A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry said Beijing is “highly concerned” about the strikes and urged all sides to halt military operations, resume dialogue and avoid further escalation. China, which buys a significant portion of Iran’s oil exports, has stressed the need to safeguard regional stability and protect global trade routes, particularly as shipping activity near the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption concerns.
China’s response reflects its balancing act in the region, where it maintains economic ties with Iran but also relies heavily on energy shipments flowing through Middle East waterways. Chinese officials have said the priority should be preventing a wider war and returning to diplomatic negotiations.
Other world leaders have also weighed in, with leaders in France, Germany and the United Kingdom urging Iran to pursue a negotiated solution while clarifying they were not involved in the strikes. European officials have emphasized restraint, protection of civilians and renewed diplomatic engagement as governments around the world respond to the growing crisis.
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