US-Israel Strikes On Iran Violate International Law – Canada PM

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, on Wednesday said recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran appeared “inconsistent with international law,” urging swift de-escalation amid rising regional tensions.

Speaking at an event hosted by the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Carney said Canada welcomed efforts aimed at changing Iran’s system of governance, which he described as a principal source of instability in the Middle East. However, he cautioned that the military action, on its face, did not align with international legal standards.

“It would appear, prima facie, not to be consistent with international law,” he said, adding that the final judgement rested with legal authorities. “I’m not a lawyer, let alone an international legal expert.”

Carney’s remarks came during the second day of his official visit to Australia, part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour intended to attract investment and deepen ties with like-minded “middle power” partners. The tour, he said, is also aimed at reducing reliance on the United States as he warns of a weakening US-led global order.

The former central banker has often sparred with Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to annex Canada and impose steep tariffs on Canadian goods.

Addressing global leaders at the World Economic Forum in January, Carney warned that the prevailing system of global governance was experiencing “a rupture.”

On Wednesday, he described the Middle East conflict as “another example of the failure of the international order,” reiterating Canada’s call for restraint. “Canada calls for a rapid de-escalation of hostilities and is prepared to assist in achieving this goal,” he said, stressing that international law binds all parties to a conflict.

The United States and Israel launched coordinated attacks over the weekend, leading to the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, days after US officials had been engaged in nuclear talks with Tehran in Geneva.

Iran has since expanded retaliatory missile and drone operations across the region, while Israel and the United States say they have struck strategic targets inside Tehran.

The fighting has also spilled into Lebanon, where Hezbollah, long aligned with Tehran, has fired rockets and drones toward Israel in response.

While Carney has previously backed US-Israeli action against Iran over its nuclear programme and support for militant groups, he expressed regret that diplomatic efforts to curb Tehran’s activities had failed.

He also criticised the lack of multilateral consultation, noting that “the United States and Israel have acted without engaging the United Nations or consulting with allies, including Canada.”

On Thursday, Carney is scheduled to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and address parliament in Canberra.

Albanese’s office has described Carney as a like-minded leader, saying discussions will centre on economic security, defence cooperation and critical minerals—an area where Australia holds significant reserves.
AFP