SYDNEY, March 4, (V7N) - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for the swift de-escalation of the ongoing Middle East conflict ignited by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Speaking in Sydney, Carney urged all parties involved to respect international rules of engagement and emphasized the importance of international law in binding all belligerents.

“This conflict is yet another example of the failure of the international order,” Carney remarked, as the violence from the US and Israel’s attack on Iran continues to spread across the region.

The US and Israel's military action on Saturday led to the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which has since triggered a retaliatory missile and drone barrage from Iran, targeting US consulates and military bases. Iran’s retaliation also included strikes on Israeli positions, particularly from Hezbollah, the Shiite militant group aligned with Tehran.

While Carney expressed support for the initial strikes by the US and Israel, citing Iran’s failure to dismantle its nuclear program and cease its support for militant groups, he also lamented the lack of consultation with allies or the United Nations before such aggressive action was taken. "The United States and Israel have acted without engaging the United Nations or consulting with allies, including Canada," he said.

Carney's remarks came on the second day of his official visit to Australia, part of a diplomatic tour aimed at enhancing economic ties with the Asia-Pacific region. He has made clear his goal of reducing Canada’s reliance on the United States, particularly amid what he perceives as the fading influence of the US-led global order.

"Canada is actively taking on the world as it is, not passively waiting for a world we wish to be," Carney added, reflecting the broader direction of Canada’s foreign policy. Later in the day, Carney was scheduled to address the Lowy Institute think tank, followed by a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra on Thursday.

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