AdSense Advertisement

Canadian PM condemns US, Israel attacks on civilians in Iran, says support not ‘Blank Cheque’ for Trump

By The South Asia Times

CANBERRA - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has condemned strikes on civilians in Iran and signaled that US-Israeli military action is inconsistent with international law, stressing that Canada’s initial support did not amount to a “blank cheque” for President Donald Trump.

Speaking to reporters in Sydney during a three-day visit, Carney clarified that his earlier backing of the strikes was rooted in concerns about Iran’s nuclear program and his view that Tehran has been a major source of instability in the Middle East, according to SBS News.

However, he said that support was conditional and did not exempt Washington from international legal standards.

“It appears that these actions are inconsistent with international law,” Carney said, adding that it would ultimately be for the United States and Israel to justify the legality of their actions.

Under the United Nations Charter, the use of force is generally permitted only in self-defense if a country is under armed attack or when authorized by the UN Security Council. The United States and Israel have argued their strikes were necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Carney acknowledged that two decades of negotiations, sanctions, and diplomatic efforts had failed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program. “And now the United States and Israel have acted without engaging the United Nations or consulting with allies, including Canada,” he said.

He described the unfolding war as a “failure of the international order” and called for a rapid de-escalation of hostilities.

“Innocent civilians must be protected, and all parties, including the US and Israel, must respect the rules of international engagement,” he said. “Diplomatic engagement is essential to avoid a wider and deeper conflict.”

Carney’s remarks contrast with the more cautious stance taken by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who have largely avoided commenting on the legality of the strikes.

Legal and human rights experts have questioned whether the US-Israeli justification meets the threshold required under international law to invoke self-defense, adding to growing global debate over the legitimacy and consequences of the escalating conflict.