Canada's defence chief, Gen. Jennie Carignan, announced that allies are discussing potential support for Persian Gulf states facing Iranian bombing threats. A meeting is scheduled to discuss a proposal, with the Canadian Armed Forces set to present a recommendation to the government.
Carignan stated that Gulf states must articulate their needs for any support to be considered. Canada is not participating in U.S. bombing operations but may explore defense and support options within a broader context.
Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated that Canada cannot definitively rule out military involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict, though he described future participation as hypothetical. The Conservative party is urging a parliamentary debate before any Canadian troop deployment.
Lt.-Gen. Steve Boivin confirmed approximately 200 Canadian Armed Forces members are deployed in the Middle East across six operations, with some redeployments occurring since the conflict began. Six liaison officers are being sent to the region to assist if requested.
Global Affairs Canada is exploring options to support the potential departure of Canadian citizens and permanent residents from the Middle East, including charter and commercial flights, contingent on security and airspace viability.