Canada's Anand: No Military Action in Middle East

0:00From Canada, this is your March 20th update. Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, visited Turkey on Tuesday and made it clear that her country wasn't consulted before the United States, and Israel struck Iran. She stressed that Canada has no plans to join the military efforts in the Middle East. Why? The liberal government has stuck to this position, repeatedly calling for diplomatic ways to de-escalate the fighting. The conflict has already driven up global fuel prices, adding pressure on everyday costs around the world. Prime Minister Mark Carney backed a joint statement from allies on Thursday signaling Canada's readiness to help reopen the strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blot. Defense Minister David McGuinty noted that Canada is looking at ways to support Iran's neighbors if they ask for NATO assistance. Anand's office provided more details, saying any Canadian help would depend on local needs, national laws, and talks with partners. They emphasized protecting energy sites from attacks by any side.

1:03For now, Canada remains committed to pushing for talks that could calm the region and ease those rising tensions.