Quebec watches Iran–Middle East conflict as Ottawa warns Canadians against travel

People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.(AP Photo)

After the U.S and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, Quebec International Relations Minister Christopher Skeete said the province was monitoring the evolving hostilities in Iran and the Middle East.

“Our thoughts are with Quebecers who have family in the region,” Skeete wrote on X, adding that his office was in contact with federal authorities to ensure the safety of Quebecers in Iran and the Middle East.

In a statement, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said that Canada supported the U.S. action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.

The federal government is also urging Canadians to avoid all travel to Iran because of ongoing hostilities in the region, warning of a risk of civil, arbitrary detention and unpredictable enforcement of local laws.

“You should leave Iran now if you can do so safely. Iranian airspace is closed until further notice, but there are overland crossing options,” the government said.

“Our ability to provide consular services in Iran is extremely limited, especially during an active conflict. If you’re in Iran, prepare contingency plans that don’t rely on the Government of Canada’s assistance for evacuations or assisted departures.”

At Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL), Emirates airline cancelled a flight heading to Dubai Saturday morning. A scheduled Emirates flight to Dubai tomorrow still shows as on time on the YUL flight status.