OTTAWA — Canada’s Chief of the Defence Workers, Common Jennie Carignan, plans to satisfy European counterparts on Friday to discover army choices for supporting Gulf states amid escalating tensions with Iran.
No Direct Position in U.S.-Israeli Operation
Common Carignan firmly guidelines out Canadian participation in Operation Epic Fury, the continuing U.S. and Israeli strikes towards Iran. “We’re not speaking about collaborating in Epic Fury, per se; this isn’t the mission into account,” she states throughout discussions on the sidelines of the Ottawa Convention on Safety and Defence.
As an alternative, focus facilities on potential protection and assist for Gulf companions going through threats. “Our Gulf companions might require defence and assist, so inside that context, this could be the kind of army choices we might contemplate,” Carignan provides.
Dynamic Threats Drive Versatile Response
The overall describes the bottom state of affairs as “dynamic,” requiring adaptable Canadian contributions based mostly on evolving dangers. Main considerations embrace ballistic missiles and drone strikes. “Any kind of army platforms despatched in these situations must be geared up or protected with different forms of methods,” she explains. “For this reason there’s a spread of various choices.”
Gulf nations corresponding to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have endured Iranian missile and drone assaults since Operation Epic Fury launched on Saturday.
Prime Minister Leaves Door Open
Throughout a go to to Canberra, Australia, Prime Minister Mark Carney avoids dismissing future army involvement. “We are going to defend our allies when it is sensible,” he declares. Carney emphasizes, “One can by no means categorically rule out participation.”
His remarks comply with incidents the place NATO protection methods intercepted an Iranian missile focusing on Turkey, a key alliance member.
Authorized Framework Guides Actions
Carignan confirms the Regulation of Armed Battle (LOAC) now governs operations, outlining guidelines to guard non-combatants. “Subsequently, any states being attacked can take defensive measures for self-defense,” she notes. “Any operation must fall inside that zone of self-defense.”
Canada actively engages Center East companions for intelligence and has stationed liaison officers within the area. The overall doesn’t exclude deploying extra personnel to bolster capabilities.

