June 23 (Reuters) - Futures linked to Canada's main

stock index edged higher on Monday amid escalating geopolitical

tension after the U.S. joined Israel in striking Iran's nuclear

facilities over the weekend.

Futures on the S&P/TSX index were up 0.2% at 06:51

a.m. ET (10:51 GMT).

Iran said on Monday that the U.S. attack on its nuclear

sites expanded the range of legitimate targets for its armed

forces and called U.S. President Donald Trump a "gambler" for

joining Israel's military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

Over the weekend, the U.S. had launched strikes on

Iran's nuclear facilities, and Trump hinted at the possibility

of

regime change

in Iran.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday that he

spoke with Trump on issues ranging across de-escalating the

conflict in the Middle East, NATO's proposed summit this week

and trade negotiations with the U.S.

In commodities, gold eased on Monday as the dollar

held firm. Oil prices, rose amid rising concerns

around Iran shutting the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil supply

route.

First Quantum Minerals ( FQVLF )

said

an employee working at the company's Trident project in

Zambia passed away following an incident involving a dump truck.

The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index

was barely changed on Friday.

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