Canada and the European Union have jointly called for de-escalation and a negotiated solution to the rising tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States in the Middle East. This comes as Canada has activated a “crisis emergency response” to provide enhanced support and consular services to Canadians in the affected region.
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Key points include a call for restraint from all sides, a push for a verifiable deal on Iran’s nuclear program, and enhanced Canadian consular assistance and departure options for citizens abroad.
Joint Canada-EU Call for Restraint and Diplomacy
In a joint statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa expressed deep concern over the dangerous escalation following recent Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s subsequent response. They reiterated a strong commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasizing the security of Israel.
The statement urged all parties to exercise restraint and adhere to international law. It reaffirmed the position that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon, stressing that a diplomatic solution remains the most effective approach to address concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Canada and the EU stated their readiness to contribute to a negotiated agreement that imposes verifiable constraints on Iran’s nuclear activities, with monitoring and verification handled by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The statement also highlighted shared concerns about Iran’s destabilizing actions, including nuclear proliferation risks, military support for Russia in Ukraine, backing of regional armed groups, transnational repression, and systematic human rights violations.
Canada Deploys Crisis Emergency Response
In response to the escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, the Canadian government has activated a “crisis emergency response” in the Middle East. This action follows recent developments, including reported US strikes.
Global Affairs Canada (GAC) is providing 24/7 assistance and consular access for Canadians in the region. The United States has also issued a “worldwide caution” alert for its citizens abroad.
Canada is offering departure options for Canadians wishing to leave Israel or the West Bank as tensions rise and will also support those seeking to leave Iran. Planned departures from Israel were postponed but proceeded later. GAC remains in regular communication with Canadians requesting assistance.
Canada is working closely with international partners to explore all possible avenues for assisting Canadians.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has implemented a temporary halt on removals to Israel. This measure is due to the volatile situation in Israel resulting from ongoing hostilities. However, the order does not apply to individuals deemed inadmissible to Canada on grounds such as criminality, serious criminality, human rights violations, organized crime, or security threats.
Following reported US strikes, Global Affairs Canada is reviewing its mission security posture across the Middle East in close collaboration with international partners.
GAC headquarters in Ottawa has increased the capacity of its 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre to handle the increased volume of requests for emergency consular support from Canadians in the region.
Twenty members of GAC’s Standing Rapid Deployment Team have been dispatched to Israel, the West Bank, Jordan, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia. They will join hundreds of Canadian government personnel providing on-the-ground assistance to Canadians.
Image relating to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's travel to Europe amid rising international tensions.
Advice and Support for Canadians Abroad
Canadians in the Middle East are strongly encouraged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This ensures they receive regular updates on regional developments and available travel options.
Imagery representing the Middle East region on edge after US strikes on Iran.
Global Affairs Canada advises Canadians currently in Iran to “leave now.” Canada closed its embassy in Tehran in 2012, severely limiting the Canadian government’s ability to provide consular services within Iran.
For Canadians who can leave Iran via border crossings, Canadian consular staff have been deployed in neighboring countries like Turkiye, Armenia, and Azerbaijan to offer assistance. Specific details on exit points and consular support locations are provided to registered Canadians.
Canada continues to provide consular support in Israel and the West Bank to help citizens find land transportation options to safe third countries where commercial air travel is available. The GAC travel advice page for Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip offers information on potential maritime routes to Cyprus and land routes to Jordan and Egypt. Canadians are cautioned to check the status of roads and border crossings before traveling.
Image showing a person likely representing Iran's UN envoy, discussing foreign policy.
How to Contact Global Affairs Canada
Canadian citizens and permanent residents requiring assistance can contact GAC’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- Telephone: +1 613 996 8885 (collect calls accepted where available)
- Email: [email protected]
- SMS: +1 613 686 3658
- WhatsApp: +1 613 909 8881
Conclusion
Canada and the European Union have issued a joint call for de-escalation and diplomacy in the Middle East conflict. Simultaneously, Canada has significantly ramped up its consular support and crisis response efforts to ensure the safety and provide assistance to Canadians in the affected region, offering various departure options and resources.
For more information on the situation and Canadian government actions, explore related news coverage.
