Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly criticised the United States and Israel for launching military strikes on Iran without adequate consultation with allies or engagement with the United Nations.
In a strongly worded statement, Carney warned that the escalating conflict threatens civilian lives and undermines international law.
“The United States and Israel acted without engaging the United Nations or consulting allies — including Canada,” he said in a video address.
“So where do we go from here with the rapidly spreading conflict and growing threats to civilian lives?” he asked.
Carney reaffirmed that international law applies to all parties involved in the conflict.
“Canada reaffirms that international law binds all belligerents,” he stated.
While condemning Iranian strikes targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, Carney urged restraint from all sides, including Washington and Tel Aviv.
“We urge all parties, including the United States and Israel, to respect the rules of international engagement,” he said, calling for an immediate reduction in hostilities.
“Canada calls for rapid de-escalation of hostilities and is prepared to assist to achieve this goal,” he added.
Carney’s remarks represent a rare public rebuke from a NATO ally amid growing global concern over the widening conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
The strikes, described by Tehran as unprovoked, have intensified tensions across the Middle East and sparked fears of a broader regional war.
Canada’s position aligns with a number of Western voices expressing unease over the escalation, with some US lawmakers questioning the legal basis and intelligence behind the military action.
The conflict has prompted diplomatic debate within NATO and the broader international community regarding compliance with international law and collective security frameworks.
Ottawa’s call for de-escalation underscores growing concern among allied nations about the humanitarian consequences of continued military operations and the risk of a protracted war.
