A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on Feb. 28.-/AFP/Getty Images
Prime Minister Mark Carney backed U.S. air strikes on Iran, saying Tehran is the main source of instability in the Middle East and must never be allowed to possess nuclear weapons.
“Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security,” the Prime Minister said in a joint statement with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand Saturday from Canada’s trade mission to India.
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday, targeting its leadership and plunging the Middle East into a new conflict that President Donald Trump said would end a security threat to the United States and give Iranians a chance to topple their rulers.
U.S., Israel launch ‘massive and ongoing’ attack on Iran
Iran retaliated with strikes on U.S. military facilities in the Middle East.
Mr. Carney called on both sides to protect civilians.
“The Canadian government urges the protection of all civilians in this conflict. We will take all possible measures to protect our nationals and Canadian diplomatic missions throughout the region,” he said.
The Prime Minister warned Canadians in Iran to shelter in place. “Canadians in the wider region should follow local advice and take all necessary precautions.”
Ms. Anand warned Canadians in Israel, Palestine and Lebanon to consider leaving.
Her statement asked people to consider leaving by commercial air carriers, calling the security situation across the Middle East “volatile and unpredictable.”
Mr. Carney said Iran has refused to end its nuclear weapons program.
“Despite diplomatic efforts, Iran has neither fully dismantled its nuclear program, halted all enrichment activities, nor ended its support for regional terrorist proxy groups,” he said.
Read U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement on Iran in full
“Canada’s position remains clear: the Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, has one of the world’s worst human rights records, and must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons,” the Prime Minister said.
“Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security,” he said.
– With files from Reuters