Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faces growing scrutiny over shifting comments on the Iran conflict. The controversy surrounding the NATO member-naiton’s position intensified after the prime minister issued mixed signals about Canada’s stance toward U.S. and Israeli military actions.
Carney initially voiced support for the strikes against Iran but soon raised concerns that the United States and Israel “acted without engaging the United Nations or consulting with allies, including Canada.” Within days, the prime minister shifted again, stating during a visit to Australia that “one can never categorically rule out participation” in military action and that Canada “will stand by our allies, when makes sense.”
Observers say the evolving position has raised concerns about Canada’s foreign policy clarity. Nader Hashemi, a Canadian-born associate professor of Middle East politics at Georgetown University, told Fox News Digital, “He’s been all over the place. It doesn’t look very good for him or for the government of Canada.” Hashemi added that Carney’s early support for the U.S.-Israeli attack appeared to change after criticism about the lack of reference to international law and the United Nations.
Political opponents quickly seized on the shifting rhetoric. Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Canadian Conservative Party, summarized the situation on social media: “We support it, we’re upset about it, we think it’s bad, but also, we might join in.” Conservative foreign affairs shadow minister Michael Chong also criticized the messaging, saying “supporting the airstrikes and at the same time calling for a secession of those strikes” represents “an inherent contradiction.”
Criticism also emerged from Canada’s political left. Alexandre Boulerice of the New Democratic Party said his party “strongly condemns the American and Israeli bombings of Iran” and criticized what he described as Canada’s decision “to blindly support this dangerous venture by Israel and Donald Trump’s administration.”
Carney attempted to clarify his position during the trip abroad. The prime minister said Canada supports “efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security,” while also calling for “a rapid de-escalation of hostilities.”
Public opinion appears divided. A recent Angus Reid Institute poll found that 49% of Canadians oppose the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes against Iran, while 34% support them.
