OTTAWA — Canada’s Chief of the Defence Staff, General Jennie Carignan, plans to meet European counterparts on Friday to evaluate military options for assisting Gulf states amid rising tensions with Iran.
No Direct Role in U.S.-Israel Operation
Carignan firmly ruled out Canadian participation in Operation Epic Fury, the ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. “We are not talking about participating in Epic Fury, per se; this is not the mission under consideration,” she stated to reporters during the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence.
She emphasized potential support for Gulf allies facing threats. “Our Gulf partners may require defence and support, so within that context, this would be the type of military options we could consider,” Carignan added.
Dynamic Threats Shape Response
The general described the regional situation as “dynamic,” requiring adaptable Canadian contributions based on evolving ground threats, primarily ballistic missiles and drone attacks. “Any military platforms sent into those conditions would need protection from specialized systems, leading to a range of possible options,” she explained.
Since Operation Epic Fury began on Saturday, Iranian missile and drone strikes have targeted Gulf nations including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Prime Minister Leaves Door Open
During a visit to Canberra, Australia, Prime Minister Mark Carney declined to exclude future military involvement. “We will defend our allies when it makes sense,” he said, adding, “One can never categorically rule out participation.”
These remarks came after reports that NATO defence systems intercepted an Iranian missile aimed at Turkey, a key alliance member.
Legal Framework Guides Actions
Carignan confirmed that the Law of Armed Conflict now governs the situation, permitting defensive measures for self-protection. “Any states under attack can respond in self-defence, so operations must stay within that framework,” she noted.
Canada is actively engaging Middle East partners for intelligence and has stationed liaison officers in the region. Carignan did not dismiss deploying additional personnel to bolster capabilities.
