Carney calls for protection of civilians as U.S., Israel strike Iran

Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling for the protection of civilians as hostilities escalate in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

“We call on all parties to protect civilian lives as best as possible in what is a very serious situation,” Carney said in a conference in Mumbai, India, Saturday morning – hours after the strikes began.

Carney framed the crisis as one involving nuclear proliferation, regional stability and civilian safety and said Canada was not involved in military planning for the attack.

“I view the issue as a fundamental issue of geopolitics, of ending state-sponsored terrorism, any nuclear proliferation in Iran and of course protecting civilian lives as much as possible,” he said.

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In a statement, his office said the government is “closely following Iran-related hostilities throughout the Middle East,” and urged Canadians in Iran to shelter in place.

“Canadians in the wider region should follow local advice and take all necessary precautions,” the statement said.

In a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Carney said Canada’s position remains clear that Iran “must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.”

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“Despite numerous diplomatic efforts, Iran has neither fully dismantled its nuclear program, halted all enrichment activities nor ended its support for regional terrorist proxy groups,” the statement said.

“Canada stands with the Iranian people in their long and courageous struggle against this oppressive regime.”

Carney also said Canada supports U.S. efforts aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

“Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Global Affairs Canada has updated its travel advisories for Canadians in Gulf nations, including Israel, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, warning of “ongoing military activity” in the region.

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