Joint Press ReleaseIranian‑Canadian Congress & Iranians United for Palestine Date: 7 March 2026 Unwavering Condemnation of Systematic Attacks on Healthcare Institutions and Critical Infrastructure in Iran The Iranian Canadian Congress and Iranians United for Palestine unequivocally condemn the systematic and ruthless attacks on healthcare institutions and critical infrastructure in Iran led by US-Israel forces. Recent assaults have left indelible scars, severely damaging vital medical facilities such as Khatam Hospital, Gandhi Hospital, and various rehabilitation and welfare centers. Reports detail that patients have been injured as hospital structures collapsed during strikes, with the Valiasr Burn Hospital rendered completely inoperable. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has confirmed 13 assaults on healthcare in Iran, alongside attacks on four ambulances resulting in the tragic deaths of four healthcare workers and injuries to 25 others. The targeting of the Iranian Red Crescent, a humanitarian organization, exposes the depths of this barbarism, endangering medics and undermining humanitarian efforts. This callous campaign echoes Israel's normalized assaults on healthcare systems, relentlessly targeting of several healthcare institution in Gaza during its genocidal actions. The precedent set by these heinous acts has emboldened aggressors to continue their assault on vulnerable populations, with little regard for human life or dignity. The existing humanitarian crisis is compounded by indirect sanctions, rendering medications scarce in Iran. While the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) claims "medicine and medical devices" are technically exempt from sanctions, the draconian licensing and shipping processes serve only to restrict access further. This leads to devastating medicine shortages, skyrocketing prices, and loss of life due to interrupted supplies. In addition to healthcare facilities, recent attacks on a desalination plant in Qeshm Island and an oil refinery outside of Tehran make clear that this aggression knows no bounds. These assaults aim not only at eradicating essential services, but also at instilling fear and despair in the Iranian populace. Furthermore, the assault on education cannot be overlooked. Multiple schools have been attacked in Iran, culminating in the tragic school massacre in Minab, where over 160 casualties were reported killed and many more injured, most of whom are elementary school-aged girls. Such actions are a disgrace to humanity and must be met with unyielding global condemnation. This war against Iran is illegal, breaching both U.S. domestic policy—which requires Congressional approval for military action—and several tenets of international law, including the United Nations Charter (Article 2, Section 4), which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, and the Geneva Conventions, which protect civilians in times of conflict. The impact extends beyond the immediate region; the WHO’s logistics hub for global health emergencies in Dubai is currently paralyzed due to ongoing insecurity, airspace closures and restrictions affecting access to the strait of Hormuz. This facility, having processed over 500 emergency orders for 75 countries last year, is essential for global health efforts. We also wish to address Mark Carney’s contradicting statements regarding Canada's potential involvement in this illegal war. During the World Economic Forum in Davos, he emphasized the importance of adhering to a "rules-based international order." In light of this, we respectfully urge Canada to refrain from participating in actions that contravene international law and instead uphold its commitment to peace and diplomacy. Canada has the opportunity to lead by example, prioritizing humanitarian values and rejecting any involvement in aggressive military actions just as it appropriately did so in the US-UK led war on Iraq in 2003. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to put an end to these violent and murderous assaults on healthcare and critical infrastructure. We must protect the innocent lives of civilians—especially the children and the vulnerable—from such overwhelming brutality.

International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the decades-long struggle forequality, justice, and human dignity. Iranian women have long been at the forefront ofadvocating for justice and freedom. They have demonstrated their capabilities and excellenceacross diverse fields, including science, culture, and sports. In universities and researchinstitutions, thousands of Iranian women serve as professors, researchers, and students,playing a vital role in advancing knowledge and scientific progress. In many academicdisciplines, women make up a significant portion of the scientific community. In the fields of artsand sports, the achievements of Iranian women and girls not only exceed regional and Asianlevels but also hold a respected place on the global stage. However, today, as the shadow of war and violence falls over the people of Iran, theseachievements are more vulnerable than ever. War not only threatens the lives of civilians butalso destroys the social and civic structures that support the advancement of women’s rights.The experience of many countries has shown that during times of war and its aftermath,women’s rights are often pushed aside, violence increases, and educational, economic, andsocial opportunities for women become severely restricted. Over the past week alone, severalsports facilities, including the 12,000-seat indoor stadium that serves as a major trainingand preparation center for Iran’s national women’s teams, have been destroyed. For years, women in Iran have courageously worked toward achieving peaceful change andimproving the lives of themselves and their communities. The continuation of war and instabilitynot only deepens human suffering but also undermines these civil efforts and aspirations.On International Women’s Day, we honor the memory and efforts of all women who havestruggled, and continue to struggle, for dignity and equality. At the same time, we emphasizethat peace, security, and stability are essential prerequisites for advancing women’s rights andrealizing social justice. Today, more than ever, the voices of women of Iran calling for peace,life, and human dignity must be heard. Below is a brief list of some recent achievements of Iranian women and girls: - Over 800 international medals won by Iranian women athletes in a single year acrossvarious global and regional competitions.https://en.jahanbanou.ir/iranian-women-win-868-international-medals-in-one-year/ - In a period of roughly 16 months, Iranian women athletes secured more than 1,000international medals, demonstrating a major rise in women’s sports participation andsuccess.https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/522440/Iranian-women-athletes-emerge-as-a-driving-force - At the Islamic Solidarity Games, Iranian women athletes won 27 medals (9 gold, 4silver, 14 bronze), making them one of the most successful women’s teams at theevent.https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/11/25/759458/islamic-solidarity-games-2025-iranian-athletes-meteoric-rise-impressive-medal-haul - The Iranian women’s canoe polo team reached the world stage and ranked among theleading teams internationally. https://www.theworldgames.org/news/TWG-2025-floating-in-the-air-moment-for-Shabani-2751 - Iranian female athletes have also achieved notable successes in Paralympic and para-sports competitions, including global recognition and medal wins.https://iranpress.com/content/294903/iran-para-archery-athlete-nominated-for-2024-best-female-para-archer-award These achievements highlight the determination, talent, and resilience of Iranian women'sprogress that must not be endangered by war and violence.