Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand have issued a strong joint statement from Mumbai, India, addressing escalating Iran-related hostilities across the Middle East. The federal government confirmed it is closely monitoring the situation and is urging all Canadians currently in Iran to shelter in place. Canadians elsewhere in the region have been advised to follow local authorities and take necessary safety precautions as tensions continue to rise.
In their statement, the Prime Minister and Minister reaffirmed Canada’s longstanding position that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains a principal source of instability in the region. The government cited Iran’s human rights record and ongoing nuclear activities as central concerns. Canada has consistently maintained that Iran must never be permitted to obtain or develop nuclear weapons, a position reinforced at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis and through the United Nations’ reimposition of sanctions in September.
Despite repeated diplomatic efforts by Canada and its international partners, Ottawa stated that Iran has not dismantled its nuclear program, ceased enrichment activities, or ended support for regional proxy groups. The government highlighted that Canada has formally listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity and has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Iranian individuals and entities. Officials emphasized that these measures are intended to respond to both domestic repression within Iran and activities that threaten broader regional stability.
Canada also reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure the security of its citizens. The statement expressed support for actions taken by the United States aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and from posing further threats to international peace and security. At the same time, Ottawa stressed the importance of protecting civilians and minimizing harm to non-combatants amid the conflict.
The government concluded by pledging to take all necessary measures to safeguard Canadian nationals and diplomatic missions across the Middle East. As tensions intensify, Ottawa’s message signals both firm geopolitical positioning and a renewed focus on citizen safety, underscoring Canada’s balancing act between regional security concerns and humanitarian responsibility.
