Overview
- In Canberra, Mark Carney said he cannot categorically rule out Canadian participation in the Iran conflict, pledging to defend Canadians and stand by allies while distinguishing such commitments from unconsulted offensive actions by the United States and Israel.
- Carney said Canada supports efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon "with regret," called the war a failure of the international order, criticized Washington and Jerusalem for bypassing the UN and allies, urged rapid de‑escalation, and condemned Iran’s strikes on civilians.
- Canada and Australia announced expanded cooperation, with Australia joining the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance and both countries deepening defence ties and advancing collaboration on artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
- Positioning the two nations as "strategic cousins," Carney pressed middle powers to combine for strength on supply chains, energy and security rather than compete for favour in an eroding global order.
- Domestic and allied reaction was immediate: Canadian Conservatives called his stance incoherent, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte downplayed talk of an alliance response after Turkey intercepted a missile, and commentary questioned Canada’s balance between alliance management and international law.