Intelligence from multiple sources indicates that the jet that crashed in Iran on Wednesday killing at least 176 people “was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday.
Trudeau said it is too early to confirm if the missile launch was intentional or accidental and called for a complete and thorough investigation into the crash, which left more than 60 Canadians dead.
“We have intelligence from multiple sources, including our allies and our own intelligence. The evidence indicates that the plane was shot down by an Iranian surface-to-air missile,” Trudeau said at a press conference.
The Boeing 737 jet belonging to Ukraine International Airlines and headed for Kyiv crashed early Wednesday morning after taking off from Tehran. There were no survivors.
The crash came the same night that Iran fired missiles at Iraqi bases housing U.S. and coalition troops.
Trudeau stopped short of suggesting the plane’s downing may have been intentional.
“I think that is one of the reasons why it is so important to have a full and credible investigation. Before we get into definite conclusions we need to ensure we have all the facts gathered,” he said. “The intelligence and evidence right now suggest very clearly a possible and probable cause for the crash but … [we need to gather] all the evidence to have a complete picture of what happened.”
Pressed on whether the U.S. bears responsibility amid high tensions in the region after President Trump ordered a drone strike that killed top Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Trudeau again stressed the importance of having a full investigation.
“I think it is too soon to be drawing conclusions or assigning blame in whatever proportions,” Trudeau said.
U.S. officials reportedly said earlier Thursday they believe Iran accidentally shot down the Ukrainian plane.
Iranian officials have denied that the plane was brought down by a missile, blaming the crash on technical error.