Montreal, June 13, 2025 — Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to forcefully condemn Israel’s unprovoked attack on Iran, and to do everything possible to de-escalate and prevent further bloodshed. CJPME argues that Israel’s attack on Iranian cities is an illegal act of aggression, not self-defense, and must be viewed in the context of its expansionist goals. CJPME further warns that Canada’s unwillingness to confront Israeli aggression gravely undermines the safety of everyone in the region.

“Israel’s reckless and unilateral act of aggression violates international law, risks triggering a regional war, and undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts,” said Michael Bueckert, Acting President of CJPME. “Israel not only attacked nuclear facilities, risking unimaginable harm to civilians and the environment, but also targeted densely populated urban areas. Carney must act urgently to prevent Israel from going down this dangerous path,” Bueckert added.

Israeli airstrikes overnight targeted the capital city of Tehran and at least five other Iranian cities, with strikes on nuclear infrastructure as well as residential buildings. Unofficial reports suggest that up to 78 people may have been killed and 329 others injured. While Israel has claimed that this was a “pre-emptive” strike in self-defense, it was in fact an illegal use of force in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter – the crime of aggression. Iran has promised to respond with military force, launching armed drones towards Israel.

CJPME is disappointed that a statement issued today by Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand did not condemn Israel’s attack, but directly criticized only Iran while urging all sides to de-escalate. “Once again, we see Canada fail to address blatant Israeli aggression. If Minister Anand was serious about de-escalation, she would condemn Israel’s attack as an illegal act of aggression. Instead, Canada continues to give diplomatic cover to this rogue regime,” said Bueckert.