Defence Minister David McGuinty speaks with reporters in Sydney, Australia, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

By The Canadian Press

CAF ‘not engaged’ in ‘prosecution’ of Iran war: defence minister

Mar 17, 2026 | 10:54 AM

BRAMPTON — Defence Minister David McGuinty says Canadian Armed Forces members are “not engaged” in the “prosecution” of the war against Iran.

McGuinty was asked today at a news conference whether the Canadian military is involved in the war — and whether Royal Canadian Air Force members are taking part in joint airborne radar operations with the U.S. air force in the region.

McGuinty says while CAF members are working in the region, Canada has “not participated” in the armed conflict and has “no intention of doing so.”

The minister also balked at the Conservatives’ claim that the Liberal government is not being open and transparent about the extent to which Canada is being affected by the Iran war.

The newspaper La Presse reported last week that Canadian assets at a Kuwait airbase were apparently struck by an Iranian airstrike early into the war, something the government never reported.

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McGuinty says he is following the guidance of Canadian Armed Forces officials who are advising the government to be “very careful” about the disclosure of information that could affect security.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2026.

The Canadian Press