OTTAWA– Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he has told Iranian President Hassan Rouhani that Canada expects to be fully involved in the investigation into Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which Iran has admitted its military shot down after mistaking it for a hostile target.

Trudeau says the admission of guilt is a positive sign Iran will allow a credible, independent international investigation.

While Iran has assumed responsibility for the crash that killed 176 people — including 57 Canadians — it has laid some of the blame on Americans, with its foreign minister tweeting “U.S. adventurism led to disaster.”

The U-S airstrike that killed a top Iranian general in Iraq has been pointed to as the cause of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Trudeau isn’t saying whether he blames the U.S., only that he’s calling for an immediate de-escalation to ensure there are no more tragic accidents.

Trudeau adds compensation for the victims families will certainly be part of discussions with Iran in terms of co-operation and accountability.

Legal experts say Canada may have a case for compensation on behalf of victims, but would almost certainly face hurdles due to the fact it has no formal diplomatic relations with Iran.

{Canadian Press}