Canada cannot ‘categorically rule out’ joining Iran war, PM Mark Carney says

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney (L) speaks to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on March 5, 2026. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP)

Canadian PM Mark Carney said Canada cannot rule out joining the US-Israel-Iran conflict, stressing support for allies but prioritizing national interests. He called for de-escalation, criticized Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and urged closer cooperation with Australia.

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his government cannot “categorically rule out participation” in the expanding conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, even as Ottawa continues to call for de-escalation in the Middle East. Carney’s remarks highlight the delicate balancing act facing Canada as it tries to support its allies while also raising concerns about international law and regional stability.

Speaking during a visit to Australia, Carney said Canada is not currently taking part in the military campaign against Iran but acknowledged that the situation could evolve.

“One can never categorically rule out participation,” he said, adding that the question remained largely hypothetical for now.

“We will stand by our allies,” Carney said, while stressing that Canada would always act to protect its national interests and citizens.

Concerns over legality of strikes

Carney’s remarks come after he earlier suggested that the US-Israeli strikes that triggered the current conflict appeared inconsistent with international law.

According to reports cited by international media, the Canadian leader had said the attacks did not seem to comply with international legal standards.

Despite these concerns, Carney also emphasised that Canada shares the broader objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He said the position reflects Ottawa’s longstanding policy on Iran’s nuclear programme and the risks it poses to global security.

Canada’s stance on Iran

Explaining Canada’s position, Carney described Iran as a key source of instability across the Middle East.

He criticised Tehran’s human rights record and said the international community has repeatedly urged Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

Carney referred to discussions held at the recent G7 summit in Kananaskis as well as United Nations sanctions that were reimposed last September.

According to the Canadian leader, the international push to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons represents an effort to maintain global security norms.

He added that Canada supports such efforts “with regret” because the situation reflects what he described as the “failure of the international order."

Call for de-escalation

During a joint press briefing in Canberra with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Carney reiterated the need for de-escalation across the Middle East.

Both leaders called for efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading further while maintaining pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme.

Carney stressed that Ottawa continues to monitor developments closely and will coordinate with allies if the conflict widens.

A broader geopolitical message

Carney’s visit to Australia forms part of a broader diplomatic tour of the Asia Pacific region aimed at strengthening partnerships beyond the United States.

The Canadian leader has argued that the global order led by Washington is undergoing major change and that countries such as Canada and Australia must cooperate more closely.

Speaking to Australia’s parliament, Carney urged so-called “middle powers” to work together in shaping the emerging international system.

“In this brave new world, middle powers cannot simply build higher walls and retreat behind them. We must work together,” he said.

“Great powers can compel, but compulsion comes with costs, both reputational and financial,” he added.

“Middle powers like Australia and Canada hold this rare convening power because others know we mean what we say and we will match our values with our actions.”

Carney also outlined plans for deeper cooperation between Canada and Australia, including collaboration in defence, artificial intelligence and the development of rare earth mineral resources.

“We know we must work with others who share our values to build solid capabilities,” he said.

Otherwise, he warned, countries risk being "caught between the hyperscalers and the hegemons."

While Canada has not committed troops or resources to the conflict in the Middle East, Carney’s remarks suggest Ottawa is preparing for the possibility that the war could expand and draw in additional allies.