Canada Urges Its Citizens to Exercise Caution as Middle East Tensions Escalate
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, February 28, 2026:
Mark Carney and Anita Anand have issued a joint statement expressing serious concern over the escalating hostilities involving Iran across the Middle East, urging Canadian citizens in the region to take immediate safety precautions.
They said that the Canadian government said it is closely monitoring Iran-related developments and has advised all Canadians currently in Iran to shelter in place. Canadians in the wider Middle East region have been asked to follow local advisories and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Reiterating Canada’s long-standing position, the statement said Iran remains the principal source of instability and terror in the Middle East, pointing to its poor human rights record and continued pursuit of nuclear capabilities. Canada asserted that Iran must never be allowed to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.
The statement noted that Canada and its international partners have repeatedly called on Iran to end its nuclear programme, including during the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis and following the United Nations’ reimposition of sanctions in September.
Despite sustained diplomatic efforts, Canada said Iran has failed to dismantle its nuclear programme, halt enrichment activities, or cease support for regional proxy groups. The Canadian government reaffirmed its support for the Iranian people in what it described as their long struggle against an oppressive regime.
Canada highlighted that it has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity and has imposed sanctions on 256 Iranian entities and 222 individuals for repression and acts of violence both within Iran and beyond its borders.
The statement also reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and ensure the security of its people, while expressing support for the United States’ actions aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening international peace and security.
Emphasising humanitarian concerns, the Canadian government called for the protection of all civilians amid the conflict and said it would take all possible measures to safeguard Canadian nationals and diplomatic missions throughout the region.