Defence Minister David McGuinty speaks with reporters in Sydney, Australia, on March 3, 2026. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Defence Minister David McGuinty said the recently slain Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had spread his “evil” influence in Iran and elsewhere, but Ottawa is now calling for a diplomatic resolution to hostilities.
McGuinty made the comments to reporters while on a visit to Australia on March 3, after being asked whether Canada believes the death of Khamenei is a positive development. Prime Minister Mark Carney initially backed the U.S. attack on Iran on Feb. 28.
