Canada Armed Forces to discuss Gulf defense support Friday — 'zone of self-defence' only

Canadian Armed Forces Chief General Jennie Carignan confirmed in remarks late Thursday that a meeting was scheduled for Friday to discuss how Canada and allied militaries could support Gulf states defending against Iranian missile and drone attacks. Carignan was careful to frame any potential Canadian involvement strictly in defensive terms: 'Any operation would have to be within that zone of self-defence.' Canada has not joined Operation Epic Fury but has faced growing pressure from Washington to contribute militarily. PM Mark Carney previously called Trump's approach 'unilateral' and broke ranks with other G7 partners. The Friday meeting among allied militaries is expected to explore air defence contributions rather than offensive strike roles. Canada has Cyclone helicopters and CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft forward deployed in the region.