Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London as tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to global shipping routes continue to raise international concern.
During their meeting Monday, both leaders acknowledged that global conditions have become increasingly complex since they first met a year ago. While their opening remarks avoided referencing specific conflicts, a statement released afterward by the Canadian government confirmed that the two leaders discussed the ongoing war involving Iran and its wider impact.
According to the statement, Carney and Starmer condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. The leaders also expressed concern about the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, the risk of the war expanding across the region and the economic impact of rising energy prices.
Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Bill Blair, said before the meeting that Canada supports international efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but does not intend to become directly involved in the conflict. He added that the meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to coordinate their approaches to the growing crisis.
One of the key concerns discussed was the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which roughly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply passes. The conflict has led to attacks on vessels moving through the strait, causing significant disruptions to global energy markets.
Iran has been targeting ships in the region since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iranian targets in late February. In response to the escalating situation, Donald Trump has called on several countries, including the United Kingdom, China, France, Japan and South Korea, to help secure the shipping route.
Starmer told reporters that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains a priority but acknowledged that doing so will be challenging. He said the United Kingdom is working with allies and European partners to develop a plan aimed at restoring safe passage through the waterway as quickly as possible.
The two leaders also discussed continued support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia and emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among democratic countries in response to global instability.
At the start of their meeting, Starmer wished Carney a happy 61st birthday. Carney noted that when the two first met shortly after Starmer became prime minister last year, they had agreed to work closely on several international issues, but the number of challenges facing the world has since grown significantly.
During his visit to London, Carney is also scheduled to meet King Charles III before beginning a vacation in Europe. The prime minister said he will remain in close contact with government officials during his time away as the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve. He is expected to return to Ottawa later this week.