MELBOURNE, Australia — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a stark warning about the deteriorating global order during his address at Sydney’s Lowy Institute on Wednesday, identifying the Iran conflict as a concerning manifestation of nations increasingly disregarding international norms and legal frameworks.
Speaking during the Australian segment of his three-nation trade mission that commenced in India, Carney articulated his grave concerns about hegemonic powers operating without constraints while other nations shoulder the consequences. “The extremes of this disruption are being played out in real time in the Middle East,” Carney stated, building upon themes he initially presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos last January.
The Prime Minister emphasized Canada’s continued support for preventing nuclear proliferation and maintaining international security, though he expressed profound regret about the current Middle East situation representing another failure of the international order. Carney specifically noted that recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran occurred without United Nations engagement or consultation with allied nations, including Canada.
While acknowledging Canada’s proactive stance in addressing global realities, Carney maintained that determining whether the airstrikes violated international law would require judgment from appropriate legal bodies. The Prime Minister’s visit also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with Canada and Australia aiming to enhance partnerships in critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and defense technologies. Carney is scheduled to address the Australian Parliament on Thursday before concluding his tour in Japan.