Ottawa outlines criteria for helping Gulf nations hit by Iran war

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand makes an announcement on federal aid for nations affected by the war in the Middle East, in the Foyer of the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, March 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA — The federal government has outlined criteria under which Canada would help partners in the Middle East endangered by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Ottawa has said it is looking at helping Gulf nations and might contribute to efforts to unblock fuel shipments — but it hasn’t explained what this might involve, beyond stressing that it has no intention of joining the U.S. military campaign.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand’s office issued a statement late Thursday clarifying the conditions Canada would uphold.

“Any potential support would be guided by the needs on the ground, Canada’s legal and policy frameworks, and ongoing consultations with partners and allies,” wrote Anand’s spokeswoman, Myah Tomasi.

“We remain committed to advancing dialogue, lowering tensions, and ensuring the free flow of commerce that underpins global economic security.”

Canada has said repeatedly it wasn’t consulted on the war and has no intention of joining it. Anand has called for diplomatic off-ramps to end a conflict which has caused global fuel prices to spike.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney endorsed a statement by allies — after it was released — expressing a willingness to contribute to efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blockaded.

Defence Minister David McGuinty added that Canada is “considering” helping Iran’s neighbours defend themselves if they seek assistance from the NATO alliance.

The Conservatives accuse the federal government of flip-flopping on Iran. Carney initially said he supported the U.S. bombing campaign before later adding that his support came “with regret” as the strikes likely violate international law.

The government insists it has maintained a consistent policy.

“Canada will work with partners to support international stability,” Tomasi wrote.

She added that Ottawa is seeking “an immediate comprehensive moratorium on all attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations,” in reference to the statement Ottawa joined Thursday.

On Thursday, Anand also wrote on social media that “Canada is appalled by the Iranian government’s execution of a Swedish citizen in Iran.”

On Friday, she wrote that “Canada condemns in the strongest terms Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting energy facilities across the Gulf region,” including a strike on a major liquefied natural gas complex in Qatar.

Anand said before the war that Canada will not restore diplomatic relations with Iran until “regime change” occurs. The Harper government cut diplomatic ties in 2012.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2026.

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press