Canada Condemns Iranian Strikes in Middle East, Urges Diplomatic Resolution

Ottawa, Canada – Canada has unequivocally condemned recent Iranian strikes on civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, with Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand issuing a strong statement on March 2, 2026. The Minister described these attacks as a 'dangerous threat to regional stability and civilian safety' and an 'unacceptable escalation and a blatant attempt to further destabilize the region.'

Condemnation and Call for Diplomacy

Minister Anand's statement, released from New Delhi, India, where she was accompanying Prime Minister Mark Carney on a diplomatic mission, highlighted Canada's deep concern over the escalating hostilities. 'The Government of Canada is closely following developments in the Middle East,' Anand stated, urging all parties 'to prioritize the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, to return to negotiations, and to advance a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.'

Canada's position emphasizes a preference for a diplomatic and peaceful solution. Minister Anand has engaged in extensive discussions with her counterparts, including G7 nations and foreign ministers from countries such as Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, over the past two days.

Context of Escalation

The Canadian condemnation comes amidst a significant escalation of conflict in the Middle East. On February 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran, reportedly resulting in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran subsequently retaliated with a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military installations, and civilian infrastructure in Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Reports indicate that Iran launched 174 ballistic missiles, 8 cruise missiles, and 689 unmanned aerial vehicles, with many intercepted by air defenses. These retaliatory strikes have caused damage to civilian areas in cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and tragically resulted in the deaths of three foreign nationals and injuries to 58 others in the UAE.

Canada's Support and Warnings

While condemning Iran's actions, Canada has also affirmed its support for U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to curb its threats to international peace and security. However, Canada was not involved in the U.S.-Israeli strikes and will not participate in any military action.

In response to the volatile situation, Global Affairs Canada has deployed surge consular support under its Standing Rapid Deployment Team to the surrounding region, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Israel, Jordan, Turkmenistan, and Türkiye, to assist Canadians. Canadians in the Middle East are strongly advised to:

• Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive critical updates.
• Avoid all travel to countries such as Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the UAE.
• Avoid non-essential travel to Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.
• Prepare contingency plans for departure, as consular services may be limited during active conflict.

The Canadian government has maintained that Iran is a 'principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East' and has listed the Iranian government as a state sponsor of terrorism, imposing approximately 500 sanctions related to the Iranian regime.