Sydney/Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney issued an urgent appeal for a “rapid de-escalation” of hostilities in the Middle East, describing the widening war between the United States, Israel, and Iran as a stark indicator of the “failure of the international order.” Speaking to reporters during his diplomatic visit to Australia, the Prime Minister signaled a more cautious shift in Canada’s stance, urging all belligerents to respect the established rules of international engagement.
The Prime Minister’s remarks follow a series of high-stakes military strikes that began on Saturday with a joint US-Israeli operation in Tehran, which resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While Canada initially affirmed its support for preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, Carney clarified on Wednesday that this support was “not a blank cheque.” Addressing a gathering at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Carney suggested that the unilateral nature of the strikes—conducted without engaging the United Nations or consulting key allies—appeared to be “inconsistent with international law.”
“Canada calls for a rapid de-escalation of hostilities and is prepared to assist in achieving this goal,” Carney stated, emphasizing that a resolution to the crisis requires a commitment to a broader political solution rather than continued military expansion. He further condemned recent Iranian retaliatory strikes on civilian infrastructure across the Gulf region, noting that the cycle of violence is causing “untold suffering” for millions. The Prime Minister’s call for restraint comes as international supply chains, particularly in the energy and pharmaceutical sectors, face severe disruptions due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
As the conflict enters its fifth day, Carney’s administration has faced domestic pressure to balance its traditional security alliances with its commitment to the global rules-based order. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, who has been coordinating closely with G7 counterparts, echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, stressing that the protection of innocent civilians must remain the highest priority. Canada is now actively engaging with like-minded “middle powers” to establish a diplomatic corridor aimed at preventing the regional skirmish from spiraling into a deeper, global-scale confrontation.
