Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has said his country cannot completely rule out joining the escalating conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, although he stressed that such a scenario remains hypothetical.
Speaking during a visit to Canberra alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Carney said Canada would continue to stand by its allies as tensions in the region intensify.
“One can never categorically rule out participation,” Carney said when asked whether Canada could become militarily involved in the conflict.
“We will stand by our allies,” he added, noting that Canada would always act to protect its citizens.
The crisis follows a large-scale joint strike by the United States and Israel on Iran that reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, an attack that has triggered retaliatory actions and heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Carney previously described the strikes as “inconsistent with international law,” but said Canada still supports efforts aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
He reiterated his call for de-escalation and urged all parties involved to seek diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
Carney’s visit to Australia forms part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour aimed at strengthening partnerships and reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States amid what he described as a shifting global order.
Addressing lawmakers in the Australian parliament, the Canadian leader urged “middle powers” such as Canada and Australia to cooperate more closely in shaping the future global system.
“In this brave new world, middle powers cannot simply build higher walls and retreat behind them. We must work together,” he said.
Carney also announced plans for deeper cooperation between the two countries in areas including defence, artificial intelligence and the development of rare earth mineral resources.
Carney has frequently clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canada and previously suggested the possibility of annexing the country.
Earlier this year at the World Economic Forum, Carney warned that the global order led by the United States was experiencing a major “rupture,” highlighting growing geopolitical uncertainty.
