Carney Backs Iran Strikes Amidst Concerns Over Eroding International Order

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the recent strikes on Iran, characterizing them as a regrettable but indicative symptom of a fracturing global order. Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Carney emphasized the increasing tendency of major powers to act without adherence to international norms and laws.

Lack of Prior Consultation

Carney stated that Canada was neither informed in advance of the U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, which began on February 28, nor asked to participate. He noted that, prima facie, the actions appeared inconsistent with international law, though he deferred a definitive judgment on that matter to others. Canada has not maintained relations with Iran for 15 years, citing concerns over human rights abuses, and designated the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist entity last year.

A Rupturing World Order

The Prime Minister built upon themes he initially presented in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he argued that the established world order is undergoing a significant disruption, eroding the rules-based system. He described a geostrategic landscape where hegemons operate with increasing constraint, although others bear the consequences, with the recent conflict in the Middle East serving as a stark example.

Trade and Cooperation with Australia

Carney’s visit to Australia is part of a three-nation trade-focused tour that began in India and will continue to Japan. During his time in Sydney, he participated in a signing ceremony with Australian officials, including Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, focused on strengthening cooperation in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. Canada and Australia are both significant producers of critical minerals and are collaborating to establish a substantial reserve held by trusted democratic nations. Carney is scheduled to address the Australian Parliament on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Canada’s Position on Iran

Despite his regret over the necessity of the strikes, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and posing a threat to international peace and security. He acknowledged the decades-long efforts by the United Nations to address Iran’s nuclear program, but noted that these efforts have not yet yielded a resolution, leading to unilateral action by the United States and Israel.