Carney says he backs strikes on Iran 'with some regret' as world order frays

"Geostrategically, hegemons are increasingly acting without constraint or respect for international norms or laws, while others bear the consequences. Now the extremes of this disruption are being played out in real time in the Middle East."

"We were not informed in advance, we were not asked to participate. Prima-facie, it appears that these actions are inconsistent with international law."

"We are actively taking on the world as it is, not passively waiting for a world we wish to be. But we also take this position with some regret because the current conflict is another example of the failure of the international order."

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the Lowy Institute in Sydney, expressing qualified support for U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran while emphasizing his regret over the deteriorating global order. Carney stated Canada was not informed in advance or asked to participate in the strikes, which he suggested appear inconsistent with international law. He highlighted how hegemons increasingly act without constraint or respect for international norms, with Middle East tensions exemplifying this disruption. While supporting efforts to prevent Iran's nuclear weapons development and threats to international security, Carney characterized the conflict as evidence of international order failure, noting the United States and Israel acted without U.N. engagement or ally consultation.

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