Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada supports the United States’ military action against Iran, as Washington confirmed it launched "major combat operations" targeting the Iranian regime on Saturday.
In a joint statement issued from Mumbai, India, Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa is “closely following Iran-related hostilities throughout the Middle East” and is urging Canadians in Iran to shelter in place.
“Canadians in the wider region should follow local advice and take all necessary precautions,” the statement reads.
The United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran earlier Saturday, targeting leadership and military infrastructure. In a video address posted online, U.S. President Donald Trump said American forces had begun “major combat operations in Iran.”
Canada reiterates position on Iran
Carney said Canada’s position on Iran “remains clear,” calling the Islamic Republic “the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East,” citing its human rights record and long-standing nuclear ambitions.
“Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security,” the statement said.
Ottawa also reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure the security of its people.
Canada has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity and has imposed sanctions on 256 Iranian entities and 222 individuals, according to the statement. The federal government also pointed to calls made at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis and the United Nations’ reimposition of sanctions in September as part of broader diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program.
My statement on Iran-related hostilities in the Middle East: pic.twitter.com/NcC8Pzq2Ba
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 28, 2026
Trump outlines objectives
In his address, Trump said the objective of the U.S. operation is to “defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”
He argued Iran must “never have a nuclear weapon,” and said previous diplomatic efforts had failed to halt Tehran’s nuclear development and missile programs.
Trump also said the United States would target Iran’s missile capabilities and military assets, describing the operation as a “massive and ongoing” effort to prevent threats to American forces and allies. U.S. forces dubbed the military action “Operation Epic Fury.”
“My administration has taken every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region,” Trump said, while acknowledging that casualties could occur.
He urged members of Iran’s armed forces to lay down their weapons and called on the Iranian people to “take over your government” once operations conclude.
Focus on Canadians abroad
The Canadian government said it is prepared to take “all possible measures” to protect Canadian nationals and diplomatic missions in the region.
Global Affairs Canada has not released updated figures on how many Canadians are currently in Iran or surrounding countries, but officials are advising citizens to monitor official travel advisories closely.
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