Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has condemned Iran’s recent attacks on its Middle Eastern allies, expressing strong support for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar amid escalating regional tensions. Anand made the remarks in online posts following confirmation that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in a U.S. and Israeli military strike on the Middle Eastern country.

Regional Tensions Intensify

Iran has retaliated against the attack by launching missiles and drones toward Israel and targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The strike on Khamenei has triggered a new wave of hostilities, with the Iranian regime vowing to respond with all available means.

“I strongly condemn the targeting of Qatar and stand with the United Arab Emirates as it defends itself against escalation by Iran,” Anand said in a statement. Her comments come as Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney is in India, where he is expected to sign a thorough trade agreement that could double two-way trade by 2030.

Carney met with Indian Oil chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney and Coal India chairman and managing director Shri B. Sairam in Mumbai. He is set to complete his visit to the city today and travel to New Delhi, continuing Canada’s efforts to reset its trade and diplomatic relationship with India.

Canada’s Position on U.S. Actions

Carney has previously stated that while he supports the U.S. military action in Iran, Canada will not directly involve itself in the conflict. He emphasized that the country will continue to provide support to Canadians in the region and urged them to shelter in place.

“We will continue to provide all possible support to Canadians throughout the region and urge Canadians in Iran to shelter in place,” Anand said in a statement. Both Anand and Carney have yet to formally react to Khamenei’s death, which was confirmed after initial reports.

U.S. President Donald Trump justified the strike by citing Iran’s ongoing nuclear program and its plans to develop missiles capable of reaching the United States. He also highlighted historical grievances dating back to the founding of the Islamic Republic.

Carney noted that he and his ministers have had discussions with Trump and top officials about the “possibility of this happening” if diplomatic efforts failed. The U.S. and its allies are now watching closely for any escalation from Iran, which has a history of retaliatory actions against perceived enemies.

Security Concerns and Cyber Threats

Experts warn that Canada’s support for U.S. strikes against Iran could carry significant security risks, as the Iranian regime may retaliate against perceived enemies abroad. Thomas Juneau, assistant professor at the University of Ottawa’s school of public and international affairs, pointed to a pattern of “transnational repression” targeting Iranian-Canadian dissidents and human rights activists.

“The Iranian state is now facing a fight to the finish, to its elimination effectively. They have in their minds absolutely nothing to lose,” said Sajjan Gohel, international security director at the Asia Pacific Foundation, in comments before Khamenei’s death was confirmed.

Iran and its affiliated groups have launched numerous campaigns against foreign foes in recent years. State-aligned cyberwarfare groups have been monitoring and harassing dissidents in Canada, the U.S., U.K., Germany, and other countries.

In 2024, the Canadian House of Commons condemned an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate former Liberal justice minister Irwin Cotler. This highlights the growing concern over transnational threats from Iran and its proxies.

With Khamenei’s death, the Iranian leadership is expected to face internal and external challenges. Analysts suggest that the regime may resort to more aggressive cyber operations or covert actions to retaliate against perceived enemies, including Canada and its allies in the Middle East.

As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely watching the situation in the region. Canada’s stance in supporting the United Arab Emirates and Qatar highlights its commitment to regional stability and its alignment with Western allies in countering Iranian aggression.