Carney signals Canada may consider military involvement in Iran war

Mark Carney stated on Thursday (March 5) that Canada could not completely rule out the possibility of military involvement in the intensifying Middle East conflict.

Carney’s ongoing visit to Australia has been largely overshadowed by the recent escalation triggered by a major U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, which resulted in the death of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

During a press event in Canberra alongside his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, Carney was asked if there were circumstances under which Canada might intervene militarily. He described the scenario as “hypothetical,” but said, “One can never categorically rule out participation,” emphasizing that Canada would stand by its allies and continue to protect its citizens.

While Carney criticized the U.S.-Israeli strikes as “inconsistent with international law,” he reaffirmed Canada’s support for efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, describing this stance as a regrettable reflection of the failure of the international system. He also reiterated his call for “de-escalation” of the conflict.

Carney’s trip across the Asia-Pacific is part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on the United States amid what he has described as a declining U.S.-led global order. The visit to Australia focuses on attracting investment and strengthening ties with a like-minded “middle power” partner.

In a parliamentary address, Carney urged middle powers like Australia and Canada to collaborate in shaping the rules of the evolving global order. “In this brave new world, middle powers cannot simply build higher walls and retreat behind them. We must work together,” he said, noting that while great powers can compel, such actions carry reputational and financial costs.

Carney highlighted that Australia and Canada would act as “strategic collaborators,” leveraging their combined resources, including rare earth minerals, and enhancing cooperation in defense, artificial intelligence, and other strategic areas. “We must work with others who share our values to build solid capabilities,” he told parliament, warning that failure to collaborate could leave countries “caught between the hyperscalers and the hegemons.”

The Canadian Prime Minister has frequently expressed opposition to U.S. policies under President Donald Trump, who has threatened trade measures and other aggressive actions toward Canada. Earlier, at the World Economic Forum in January, Carney had warned of a “rupture” in the U.S.-led global governance system.