Prime Minister Mark Carney is calling for the protection of civilians as hostilities escalate in the Middle East following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
"We call on all parties to protect civilian lives as best as possible in what is a very serious situation," Carney stated in Mumbai, India. He framed the crisis as involving nuclear proliferation, regional stability, and civilian safety. Canada was not involved in the military planning for the attack.
"I view the issue as a fundamental issue of geopolitics, of ending state-sponsored terrorism, any nuclear proliferation in Iran and of course protecting civilian lives as much as possible," he added.
Carney's office confirmed the government is "closely following Iran-related hostilities" and advised Canadians in Iran to shelter in place, and those in the wider region to follow local advice and take precautions.