Canada backs Iran strikes 'with regret', urges de-escalation: Mark Carney

Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia, during his Indo-Pacific tour, Carney called for rapid de-escalation while emphasising Canada's long-standing concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional terrorism.

Carny's remarks came amid the escalating hostilities that began with US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28.

"We are actively taking on the world as it is, not passively waiting for a world we wish it to be. But we also take this position with some regret because the current conflict is another example of the failure of the international order," Carney said, as quoted by the AP.

He noted that Canada was neither informed in advance nor invited to participate in the strikes, adding, "Prima facie, it appears that these actions are inconsistent with international law,” though he deferred final judgement on legality to others.

The prime minister highlighted Iran's role as a persistent threat, stating that despite decades of U.N. efforts, “Iran’s nuclear threat remains, and now the United States and Israel have acted without engaging the U.N. or consulting with allies, including Canada."

Carney stressed the need for all parties to adhere to international norms and swiftly reduce hostilities.

“Geostrategically, hegemons are increasingly acting without constraint or respect for international norms or laws, while others bear the consequences," stressed Carney. 

These statements come as Carney continues his three-nation tour, following India and ahead of Japan, where he plans to address Australia's parliament on critical minerals and defence cooperation.

​Prior to Carney's visit, Canadian officials had reassessed earlier security concerns and indicated that India is no longer viewed as linked to violent threats on Canadian soil, a shift that removes a significant obstacle to deeper engagement, The Times of India reported.

Carney and Modi on Monday announced an ambitious reset of the India–Canada relationship, agreeing to accelerate negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and deepen cooperation across energy, defence, artificial intelligence, talent mobility and trade.

His visit was aimed at reviving economic ties and stabilising diplomatic relations with India following months of strain under the Trudeau government.