Pierre Poilievre Backs U.S. And Israel, Calls For Democratic And Denuclearised Iran

OTTAWA — The Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and head of the Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, issued a statement condemning Iran’s ruling regime and voicing support for the Iranian people, the United States, Israel, and Gulf allies amid ongoing regional conflict.

In a statement released by his office, Poilievre described the regime in Tehran as “the principal source of terror in the Middle East and around the world.” He accused Iranian authorities of pursuing nuclear weapons capabilities, repressing domestic opposition, and backing attacks against Israel and other countries.

“It tried to build nuclear weapons to annihilate our allies,” Poilievre said. “It massacred tens of thousands of its own people. It orchestrated the attacks of October 7, 2023, murdered Canadian passengers on Flight PS752, sought to kill prominent Canadian leaders, and ruthlessly targets Canadians of Jewish and Iranian descent.”

Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes. Western governments, including Canada, the United States, and several European countries, have imposed sanctions on Tehran over concerns related to nuclear enrichment, ballistic missile development, and support for armed proxy groups.

The October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel by Hamas resulted in more than 1,200 deaths, according to Israeli authorities, and led to ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Israel and several Western governments have accused Iran of providing support to Hamas and other armed groups in the region. Tehran has acknowledged political backing for Palestinian factions but denies direct operational involvement in the October 7 assault.

Poilievre also referenced the January 2020 downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752, which was shot down by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shortly after takeoff from Tehran. Fifty-five Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents were among the 176 people killed. Iranian officials initially denied responsibility before admitting that the aircraft was mistakenly targeted.

“That is why Conservatives support the courageous people of Iran in toppling this terror regime and reclaiming their destiny after 47 years of the regime’s occupation,” Poilievre said. “Conservatives support a democratic, free and permanently denuclearised Iran that lives in peace and security with its neighbours.”

He added that Conservatives support “the United States, Israel, and our allies across the Gulf to defend their sovereignty and dismantle the clerical military dictatorship of Iran.”

The statement reflects longstanding Conservative Party positions that characterize Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism and a threat to regional security. Canada designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism in 2012 and severed diplomatic relations the same year.

The current Canadian government under the Liberal Party has also imposed multiple rounds of sanctions on Iranian officials and entities in response to human rights violations and regional destabilization activities. Ottawa has listed the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity and continues to pursue accountability measures related to Flight PS752.

Poilievre’s remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Israel and Iran engaged in open hostilities and U.S. forces operating in support of allied defensive efforts. Gulf states have also reported security incidents linked to the expanding conflict.

For many Jewish and pro-Israel Canadians, Iran remains a central security concern due to its support for Hamas and Hezbollah, its repeated rhetoric against Israel, and its nuclear ambitions. Poilievre’s statement is likely to resonate with those constituencies, particularly in light of ongoing antisemitism incidents in Canada following the October 7 attacks.

There has been no immediate response from Iranian officials to Poilievre’s remarks.

The Conservative leader’s call for a democratic and permanently denuclearised Iran aligns with broader Western policy goals, though the path toward political change inside Iran remains uncertain. Iranian authorities have suppressed protests in recent years, including demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, which drew international condemnation.

As the regional conflict evolves, Canada’s political leaders continue to articulate their positions on Iran, Israel, and the broader Middle East. Poilievre’s statement places the Conservative Party firmly in support of allied military and diplomatic efforts aimed at countering Tehran’s influence while voicing solidarity with Iranians seeking political reform.