Prime Minister Mark Carney has called on all parties involved in the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran to uphold international law and refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure. His statement, made during a press briefing in Brampton, Ontario, emphasized the importance of respecting international laws, which includes safeguarding civilians and their infrastructure during times of war.
Carney’s remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to Iran, threatening severe consequences, including the destruction of a civilization. This ultimatum follows previous deadlines set by Trump for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face significant attacks on its civilian infrastructure, a move deemed a violation of international law by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
However, Carney hinted that Trump, known for his negotiation skills, might be using these threats as leverage to achieve his objectives without necessarily carrying them out. He highlighted the disparity between public statements and private actions, alluding to Trump’s tendency to backtrack on threats in pursuit of quick deals, as seen in his trade policies.
Trump also asserted on social media that the U.S. had orchestrated a regime change in Iran, leading to the emergence of more cooperative leadership. Notably, the U.S. military’s actions resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Iran to appoint Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as his successor.
Subsequently, Israel and the U.S. have conducted numerous airstrikes on Iran, resulting in a significant death toll. In retaliation, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf states.
When asked about his initial endorsement of the conflict, Carney justified it by citing Iran’s history of supporting terrorism and pursuing nuclear capabilities. He reiterated the importance of curbing state-sponsored terrorism and Iran’s nuclear ambitions as the primary objectives in the ongoing situation.