Prime Minister Mark Carney also criticized the fact that the US and Israel did not consult the United Nations or allies, including Canada.
Mr. Mark Carney said Canada supports the US attack on Iran because it believes Tehran's nuclear program is one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. However, he emphasized that this is not unconditional support, Canada does not participate in the war and does not demand anything in return.
Canadian leaders reaffirmed that all warring parties are bound by international law, called for rapid de-escalation and promotion of diplomatic cooperation to avoid a larger conflict, protect innocent civilians and seek long-term agreements to end the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
This view is similar to his statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, when he warned that the world order led by the US is cracking. Mr. Carney said that although the United Nations Security Council has issued many resolutions to prevent Iran's nuclear program for decades, Tehran is still considered a nuclear threat.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched an air campaign against Iran, targeting intelligence agencies, defense and many senior officials, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran then launched missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles into Israel and US bases in the region in retaliation.
The US and Israel believe that this is a preemptive strike aimed at preventing Iran from developing its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. However, the United Nations Charter prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another country, except for very narrow conditions according to Caroline's doctrine stated by Daniel Webster in 1837, requiring the threat to be immediate, overwhelming, with no other choice and no time to consider. Meanwhile, analysts believe that there are no such conditions for Iran on February 28.
Mr. Mark Carney's support also faced mixed opinions within the Liberal Party. Former Canadian Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy compared the current situation to the 2003 decision when Canada did not support the Iraq war and said that actions against Iran could not be justified under the United Nations Charter.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society announced 787 deaths in the country, while at least 11 people in Israel, 6 US soldiers and many people in the Middle East were killed in the conflict.
