As the U.S. asks allies to assist in defending the Gulf region from Iran, Canada’s Defence Minister David McGuinty said his government is “leaving the door open” to military support in the region, but reiterated Canada will play no offensive role against Iran. The closure has caused global oil prices to increase, with the price of Brent crude around US$100 per barrel as of Monday. The impact on the global oil market has increased pressure on the U.S. administration to find a solution to the strait’s closure. Trump said it would be “very bad for the future of NATO” if allies don’t assist the U.S. on this matter. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed on Monday that 10,000 Canadians have left the region and are back in Canada.

Source: National Post March 16, 2026 23:29 UTC