Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for de-escalation of the ongoing Iran conflict during a joint meeting in Canberra on Thursday, while maintaining that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.

The meeting occurred amid escalating tensions, including reports that a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean and Turkey's announcement that NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkish airspace.

"We want to see a broader de-escalation of these hostilities with a broader group of countries than just the direct belligerents involved," Carney said during a joint press conference. "We stress that that cannot be achieved unless we're in a position that Iran's ability to acquire a nuclear weapon, develop a nuclear weapon, and to export terrorism, is ended."

Albanese emphasized concerns about Iran's expanding attacks, stating: "We're seeing Gulf states, that have not been involved, attacked across the board, including the attacks on civilian and tourist areas as well. But we also want to see the objectives achieved. I want to see the possibility of Iran getting a nuclear weapon removed once and for all."

Carney suggested the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which he said were "showing tremendous restraint," should become involved in the de-escalation process. When asked about potential Canadian military involvement, Carney said he could not categorically rule out participation, adding: "We will stand by our allies when it makes sense."

The meeting is part of Carney's three-nation trade-focused visit that began in India last week. He addressed the Australian Parliament on Thursday and is scheduled to travel to Japan on Friday.