Canada Urges US and Iran Not to Target Civilian Infrastructure Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict

OTTAWA, April 8 — Canada has urged both the United States and Iran to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure as fighting intensifies in the Middle East, warning that such actions could violate international law and worsen the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Ottawa expects all parties involved in the confrontation to respect global humanitarian rules, particularly those prohibiting attacks on civilian facilities such as bridges, power plants, water systems, and residential areas.

The statement came after Donald Trump warned that the United States could target major Iranian infrastructure if Tehran refused to meet Washington’s demands during the ongoing conflict.

Carney emphasized that international humanitarian law clearly forbids the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, stressing that any escalation involving such attacks would significantly increase risks for ordinary

The appeal from Canada comes as tensions remain high following a series of military operations carried out by the United States against Iranian targets. U.S. officials have said recent strikes focused on military facilities and avoided critical oil infrastructure, although the broader conflict continues to threaten regional stability.

The war between Washington and Tehran has already triggered a major geopolitical crisis centered on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints. The strait handles roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments, meaning any disruption could severely impact international energy markets.

Since the conflict began earlier in 2026, Iran has threatened to restrict shipping in the waterway while U.S. forces and allied countries have attempted to maintain open navigation through the area. The disruption has already caused oil prices to spike and global tanker traffic to drop sharply.

Canada has previously stated it does not intend to participate directly in military operations against Iran but remains concerned about the conflict’s impact on international security and trade. Ottawa has instead focused on diplomatic efforts and calls for de-escalation between the two sides.

Analysts warn that if attacks on civilian infrastructure occur, the conflict could escalate into a broader regional crisis, drawing in more countries and potentially destabilizing global energy supplies.

Diplomatic observers say the coming weeks will be crucial as international pressure grows for both Washington and Tehran to pursue negotiations and prevent further escalation in the Middle East.