Experts say Canada’s support for U.S. strikes against Iran could come with security risks as Iran looks to retaliate against perceived enemies abroad.
Prime Minister Mark Carney says the government backs American military action to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and “prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.”
But the regime of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has a history of lashing out against Western countries through cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, online harassment and assassination attempts.
University of Ottawa professor Thomas Juneau says Canada should be “very concerned” about targeting of Iranian-Canadian dissidents.
He says that as the regime finds itself in an existential fight, it has “nothing to lose” and should be expected to show little restraint both at home and abroad.
The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran in a major attack on Saturday, as U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to decimate the country’s military, destroy its nuclear program and spur a change in government.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 28, 2026.
Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
