The Canadian government is stepping in to assist Canadians in Iran, Israel, and the West Bank as violence escalates in the region. Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced that the government is working on plans to help Canadians leave these areas using commercial flights from neighboring countries. However, individuals will first need to cross the border into these countries to access this support.
Since the conflict began, airspace over Iran and Israel has been shut down, making travel difficult. The situation has worsened, with U.S. President Donald Trump considering military action against Iran. The White House indicated that a decision on this matter would be made in the next two weeks.
Anand emphasized that once Canadians reach neighboring countries, consular services will be available to assist them. Additional support has been deployed in Jordan, Turkey, and Armenia, alongside existing help for those trying to leave Gaza. She encouraged Canadians to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive timely updates and guidance.
Currently, over 82,000 Canadians are registered in the Middle East, including more than 4,000 in Iran and over 6,600 in Israel. These figures are likely to rise as more Canadians become aware of the situation.
The Canadian government has advised against traveling to most Middle Eastern countries due to ongoing hostilities. It has also relocated non-essential diplomatic staff from its embassy in Tel Aviv and consular office in Ramallah.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed concerns about Iran potentially acquiring nuclear weapons, stating that it poses a threat to peace in the Middle East and globally. He reaffirmed Canada’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
In a similar vein, the U.S. State Department has warned American citizens in Iran that they must enter neighboring countries on foot before they can secure commercial flights home. The U.S. is also planning evacuation flights for its citizens in Israel.
As tensions rise, thousands of foreign nationals have already been evacuated from Israel and Iran by various countries. The situation remains fluid, and the Canadian government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad.