On Saturday morning, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released statements backing the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. They urged all Canadians in Iran to “shelter in place” and advised those in the broader Middle East to take necessary precautions against potential Iranian retaliation.
In the statement, it emphasized the Canadian government’s commitment to safeguarding civilians during this conflict, asserting that they would take all possible measures to ensure the safety of their citizens and missions in the region.
Carney articulated Canada’s firm stance on Iran, labeling it as a significant source of terrorism and instability in the Middle East, criticizing its appalling human rights record, and warning against any development of nuclear arms. Despite previous diplomatic efforts, he noted that Iran has failed to fully dismantle its nuclear program or cease support for terrorist groups.
Canada has classified the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity and imposed sanctions on over 250 Iranian organizations and 220 individuals due to ongoing oppression and violence stemming from the regime.
Additionally, Canada expressed its unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense, highlighting that Canada stands with the Iranian populace in their struggle against their repressive leaders. The joint statement from Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand expressed backing for U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and further endangering international peace.
Meanwhile, Albanese affirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting the Iranian people against oppression and reiterated backing for U.S. actions aimed at thwarting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and threats to global security. He pointed out Iran’s responsibility for recent attacks on Australian soil, specifically against its Jewish community, which he categorized as a calculated attempt to instill fear and undermine national integrity.
Albanese confirmed that Australia has expelled the Iranian ambassador and suspended embassy operations in Tehran while designating the IRGC as a state sponsor of terrorism, in response to ongoing aggression from Iran. He mentioned that Australia has implemented sanctions against over 200 individuals linked to Iran, including many associated with the Revolutionary Guards.
He noted that Iran continues to disregard international calls to uphold human rights and abandon its nuclear ambitions, which are perceived as a considerable threat. In light of security concerns, Australia has also raised its travel advisory for both Israel and Lebanon, indicating that Australians should leave if it’s safe to do so.
The strong endorsements from Canada and Australia contrasted sharply with more cautious or critical reactions from various European leaders. For instance, French President Emmanuel Macron pointed out the severe repercussions of a potential conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, and did not extend direct support to the U.S. or Israel. Instead, he emphasized the need for Iran to engage sincerely in negotiations to resolve its nuclear and regional destabilization efforts.
Macron also underscored the necessity for the Iranian people to reclaim their future, labeling the current regime’s actions as disqualifying for Iran’s standing in the international community.
Conversely, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed outright opposition to the military actions taken by the U.S. and Israel, which he described as escalation leading to a more unpredictable international landscape. He condemned the Iranian regime and the Revolutionary Guards while advocating for immediate de-escalation from all involved parties.
The European Union also called for all parties to demonstrate restraint, protect civilians, and adhere to international law.
