Canadas Prime Minister Carney considers military involvement in potential Iran conflict

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that his country’s participation in the escalating conflict in the Middle East cannot be ruled out entirely. Speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Thursday, Carney was asked about Canada’s potential involvement in the situation.

Carney clarified that while he could not categorically rule out participation, it would depend on various factors. He emphasized that Canada will stand by its allies and defend Canadians. In earlier remarks, Carney expressed support for the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, stating they represented an extreme example of a rupturing world order. However, he also noted that these actions appeared to be inconsistent with international law.

Carney stated that Canada was not informed in advance of the US-Israeli attack on Iran and did not participate in the strike. He condemned the strikes on civilians in Iran and called for all parties to respect the rules of international engagement. The Canadian government is currently assisting Canadians who have requested help leaving the Middle East region, with over 2,000 individuals seeking assistance.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, efforts are underway to charter flights out of the United Arab Emirates to facilitate the repatriation of Canadians. Commercial air traffic remains largely absent across much of the region due to the conflict, with major Gulf hubs shut down. Repatriation flights chartered by foreign governments have been scheduled for departure on Wednesday and Thursday, while the UAE has opened safe air corridors to allow some citizens to return home.

Canada’s Foreign Ministry is working to facilitate the repatriation of Canadians, with charter flights planned contingent on approval from the UAE government. The situation remains fluid, with thousands of commercial flights typically departing the region each day under normal circumstances.

Source: Al Jazeera