Global Affairs Canada has confirmed that Canadian personnel are still present in Lebanon despite increasing military tensions involving Iran. The Embassy of Canada in Beirut is operating normally and providing essential services to Canadians, including consular support. This decision contrasts with the U.S. Embassy’s recent action to evacuate non-essential staff from the region and advise some diplomats and their families to depart.
The heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran stem from U.S. President Donald Trump’s deployment of a significant military presence in the Middle East and his threat to take action unless Iran agrees to limit its nuclear program. Iran has stated its intention to retaliate if attacked by the U.S. Global Affairs Canada emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing the health, safety, and security of Canadian diplomatic personnel and their families.
Canada’s most recent travel advisory for Lebanon, issued on February 13, discourages non-essential travel due to the region’s ongoing tensions, unpredictable security conditions, the persistent threat of terrorist attacks, and the conflict with Israel. Similarly, the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has warned that remaining U.S. personnel may encounter travel restrictions within the country and strongly recommends American citizens to leave.
In a meeting with the Board of Peace, President Trump cautioned Iran to enter into a nuclear agreement or face unspecified consequences. The President is expected to address the Iran situation in his upcoming state of the union address on Tuesday night.