Ottawa, Mar 19: Canada is leading a diplomatic push to build a coordinated G7 and Middle East effort aimed at de-escalating the ongoing conflict involving Iran, as fears grow over a wider regional crisis and global economic fallout.
Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa is working on a “document of principles” designed to reduce the risk of the war spreading beyond its current scope. The proposal focuses on limiting civilian harm, preventing spillover into neighbouring countries, and stabilising global energy and food supply chains.
Speaking after meetings in London with UK officials and discussions with other international partners, Anand emphasised the need for “off ramps” — practical pathways that could bring the conflict to an end. She is currently engaging with G7 nations and countries directly affected by retaliatory strikes to build a unified approach.
Canada and European nations have so far played a limited role in the conflict, largely sidelined during the US-Israeli military campaign. However, diplomatic efforts are now gaining momentum as Iran continues to respond with missile and drone attacks, including threats to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global oil supply.
Anand made it clear that Canada neither participated in nor was consulted on the military offensive, while also condemning Iran’s retaliatory actions as violations of international law. She stressed that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could have severe consequences, noting that roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes through the route, making any blockade a major threat to global markets.
Diplomats acknowledge that ending the conflict will be extremely difficult. Iran is seeking guarantees against future attacks, demands that are unlikely to be accepted by the United States or its allies. At the same time, trust between Washington and Tehran has reached a historic low, complicating any negotiations.
The push also reflects a broader strategy by Canada to strengthen alliances among “middle powers.” Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for such countries to play a more active role in global crises, rather than relying solely on major powers like the US.
Canada is also expanding its global footprint through trade diversification and new defence initiatives, including plans for a Defence Security and Resilience Bank to support military industries.
As the conflict intensifies, Canada’s diplomatic initiative signals growing urgency among global powers to prevent a wider war that could destabilise the Middle East and disrupt the global economy.