Canadian military chief: Ottawa could help defend Gulf partners

Canada could consider providing support to partners in the Persian Gulf that may require assistance, the Chief of the Defence Staff  Jennie Carignan said on Thursday, March 5, while emphasising that Ottawa is not discussing participation in military operations against Iran.

Speaking to reporters, Carignan said Canada may look at ways to help regional partners defend themselves amid the ongoing conflict, CNN reports.

However, she clarified that Canada is not considering joining Operation Epic Fury.

“Because there is a conflict in place, the law of armed conflict now applies. And therefore any states being attacked can take defensive measures in self-defence. So, therefore, any operation would have to be within that zone of self-defence,” Carignan said.

Her office later told CNN that she is scheduled to speak with her European counterparts on March 6 to discuss the situation.

By Tamilla Hasanova