The federal government has outlined criteria under which Canada would help partners in the Middle East endangered by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Ottawa has said it is looking at helping Gulf nations and might contribute to efforts to unblock fuel shipments — but it hasn’t explained what this might involve, beyond stressing that it has no intention of joining the U.S. military campaign.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand‘s office issued a statement late Thursday clarifying the conditions Canada would uphold.
“Any potential support would be guided by the needs on the ground, Canada’s legal and policy frameworks, and ongoing consultations with partners and allies,” wrote Anand’s spokeswoman, Myah Tomasi.
“We remain committed to advancing dialogue, lowering tensions, and ensuring the free flow of commerce that underpins global economic security.”
Canada has said repeatedly it wasn’t consulted on the war and has no intention of joining it. Anand has called for diplomatic off-ramps to end a conflict which has caused global fuel prices to spike.
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On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney endorsed a statement by allies — after it was released — expressing a willingness to contribute to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded.
Defence Minister David McGuinty added that Canada is “considering” helping Iran’s neighbours defend themselves if they seek assistance from the NATO alliance.
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The Conservatives accuse the federal government of flip-flopping on Iran. Carney initially said he supported the U.S. bombing campaign before later adding that his support came “with regret” as the strikes likely violate international law.
The government insists it has maintained a consistent policy.
“Canada will work with partners to support international stability,” Tomasi wrote.
She added that Ottawa is seeking “an immediate comprehensive moratorium on all attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations,” in reference to the statement Ottawa joined Thursday.
On Thursday, Anand also wrote on social media that “Canada is appalled by the Iranian government’s execution of a Swedish citizen in Iran.”
On Friday, she wrote that “Canada condemns in the strongest terms Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting energy facilities across the Gulf region,” including a strike on a major liquefied natural gas complex in Qatar.
Anand said before the war that Canada will not restore diplomatic relations with Iran until “regime change” occurs. The Harper government cut diplomatic ties in 2012.
hard to do any thing as long as flip flop carney is at at the helm, so busy tooting around to other countries, should have all his financial arrangement made soon, the Davos elite cronies will be happy.
No need to get involved.
The cardboard statue of the new Supreme Leader of Iran just stated that they have won the war so it is over now.
Canada has always tried to have a peace making role in global conflicts and this statement fits that agenda.
Canada and the other NATO countries are pathetic and useless.
Sure, diplomacy with Iran, like that ever works with them. We are infi_del scu_m in their eyes and they want to continue doing whatever they feel like doing going forward.
Best to pull the rabid dogs teeth now.
And how will Canada assist Iran’s neighbours with their missile issue? The Liberals have degraded the Canadian military to the point all we can do is teach these countries how to chop wood and haul water for the countries that can fight. These idiots in Ottawa have not even replenished the ammo they gave away to Ukraine.