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Friday 06/03/2026

Canada Calls for De-escalation Amid US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaking in Sydney on peace

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Canadian PM Mark Carney supports US-Israel strikes on Iran but urges de-escalation, citing regret over the conflict's impact on international order.
  • Carney criticizes the US and Israel for bypassing the UN and allies, including Canada, in their military actions against Iran.
  • Canada and India are working to mend strained relations, highlighted by a new nuclear energy deal and other cooperative agreements.
  • The assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada remains a contentious issue, with ongoing legal proceedings.
  • Carney and Australian PM Anthony Albanese advocate for Canada and Australia to act as "strategic cousins" in global negotiations.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed support for the recent US-Israel military strikes on Iran, though he emphasized his stance is taken "with regret." Speaking in Sydney during his Indo-Pacific tour, Carney called for a swift de-escalation of hostilities, highlighting the conflict as a failure of the international order. The strikes, which began on Saturday, have prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Iran targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf region.

Criticism of Unilateral Actions

Carney criticized the US and Israel for proceeding without consulting the United Nations or allied nations, including Canada. He underscored the threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions, describing the regime as a major exporter of terror and a significant threat to global security. "Nobody has a civil nuclear programme that's buried a mile beneath the desert," Carney remarked, underscoring the potential danger.

Repairing Canada-India Relations

The Canadian leader also addressed relations with India, following discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Carney described these talks as "frank," amid efforts to repair diplomatic ties strained by allegations linking India to the 2023 assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Despite India's rejection of these claims, the incident led to a diplomatic standoff, with both nations expelling diplomats and halting visa services.

Strategic Partnerships with Australia

During his visit to Australia, Carney and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese advocated for Canada and Australia to act as "strategic cousins" in global negotiations, particularly with superpowers like the United States. This partnership aims to strengthen their collective bargaining power on the international stage.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

The ongoing conflict between the US-Israel coalition and Iran could escalate further if diplomatic channels remain sidelined. Carney's call for de-escalation and criticism of unilateral actions may prompt renewed discussions at the United Nations, potentially leading to a more coordinated international response.

Meanwhile, the efforts to mend Canada-India relations could pave the way for increased collaboration in areas like nuclear energy and critical minerals. However, the unresolved legal proceedings related to Hardeep Singh Nijjar's assassination may continue to pose challenges to fully restoring bilateral ties.

As Canada and Australia explore their "strategic cousins" partnership, their unified approach could influence future negotiations with global superpowers, potentially reshaping diplomatic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Additional article image
Image Source: Rory Gardiner