Canada backs US action to stop Iran from developing nuclear arms

In a joint statement issued during Carney’s visit to India, Ottawa said it is closely monitoring developments and advised Canadians in the wider region to follow local authorities’ guidance and take necessary precautions.

The statement described Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East and reiterated Canada’s long-standing position that Tehran must not be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.

The statement noted that Canada and its international partners have consistently called on Iran to end its nuclear program, including at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis and through the United Nations’ reimposition of sanctions in September.

The government said Iran has not dismantled its nuclear program, halted enrichment activities or ended support for regional armed groups despite diplomatic efforts.

According to the statement, Canada has listed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity and imposed sanctions on 256 Iranian entities and 222 individuals in response to human rights and regional security concers. 

The government also called for the protection of civilians and said it would take steps to safeguard Canadian nationals and diplomatic missions in the region.

Trump's address

Earlier Saturday, in a video address, Trump said the United States would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons and added that diplomatic efforts had previously been made to reach an agreement.

Trump during his video address confirming US role in attack on Iran. Photo: Screengrab/X video

Calling the operation a “noble mission,” Trump acknowledged the possibility of casualties, saying the action was aimed at securing long-term peace and stability.

Trump called Iran the world’s “number one state sponsor of terror”, saying, “For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted, Death to America, and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops, and the innocent people in many, many countries.”

He also blamed Iran-backed Hamas for the October 7 attack on Israel, saying, “It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before.”