Letter to Prime Minister: Restoring Consular and Diplomatic Relations with Iran
Iranian Canadian President, Mona Ghassemi has sent the following letter to Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs asking to restore Consular and Diplomatic Relations with Iran.
Statement Against the Ongoing War of Aggression on Iran and West Asia
The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) continues to unequivocally condemn the unprovoked war imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel and expresses its profound concern over the ongoing escalation of violence. We stand in solidarity with all civilians affected by this conflict and recognize the immense human suffering that accompanies war.
The continued hostilities have deeply affected families both within Iran and across the diaspora, including many members of the Iranian Canadian community. Beyond the devastating humanitarian consequences, the conflict has also had significant social, economic, and psychological impacts on Canadians with family members, friends, and loved ones in the region.
The ICC supports Canada’s calls for de-escalation and the peaceful resolution of conflict. We further condemn violations of international humanitarian law and international criminal law committed by both state and non-state actors. Accountability must apply equally to all parties responsible for unlawful conduct during armed conflict (United Nations, 1945; International Criminal Court, 1998).
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, together with the Geneva Conventions and customary international humanitarian law, establishes clear protections for civilians and civilian objects during armed conflict. Deliberate or indiscriminate attacks directed against civilians or civilian infrastructure—including hospitals, schools, universities, medical facilities, water systems, food supplies, places of worship, and other indispensable civilian infrastructure—may constitute war crimes under international law (Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, 1949; International Committee of the Red Cross, 1977; Rome Statute, 1998, arts. 8(2)(b)(i), 8(2)(b)(ii), & 8(2)(b)(ix); Henckaerts & Doswald-Beck, 2005; Dinstein, 2022).
The modern framework of international humanitarian law and the United Nations system was established in the aftermath of the First and Second World Wars to prevent humanity from repeating the horrors of genocide, crimes against humanity, and other mass atrocities that devastated entire nations. The Geneva Conventions, the United Nations Charter, and, more recently, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court were created precisely to reject the doctrine that “might makes right” and to replace unilateral aggression with a rules-based international order founded on respect for human dignity, state sovereignty, human rights, and the peaceful settlement of disputes (United Nations, 1945; United Nations, 1948; Best, 1994; Cassese et al., 2013). Canada has long championed these principles, which have helped shape our national identity, democratic institutions, and longstanding commitment to the rule of law, international cooperation, human rights, and international humanitarian law (Department of National Defence, 2021). The erosion of these fundamental norms threatens not only the people directly affected by armed conflict but also the stability and security of the international community as a whole (Sassòli, 2019).
The ICC is deeply alarmed by credible reports of attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure throughout the conflict. This includes the bombing of the Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, which claimed the lives of 168 civilians, most of them school children (United Nations Children's Fund [UNICEF], 2026), in a double-tap strike against a protected civilian site. Such an attack would constitute a grave violation of international humanitarian law and may likely amount to a war crime under the Rome Statute (International Criminal Court, 1998, art. 8; Dinstein, 2022; Sassòli, 2019). We call for an independent, impartial investigation and for all those responsible to be held accountable under international law.
More broadly, we unequivocally condemn all unlawful attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Deliberate or indiscriminate attacks against educational institutions, medical facilities, humanitarian personnel, residential neighborhoods, and other protected civilian sites represent serious violations of international humanitarian law and undermine the fundamental principles established to protect human life during armed conflict (Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, 1949; International Committee of the Red Cross, 1977; Henckaerts & Doswald-Beck, 2005; Sassòli, 2019).
We therefore urge the Government of Canada to continue championing international law, support independent investigations into alleged violations, hold perpetrators accountable through appropriate international legal mechanisms, and work with the international community to strengthen the protection of civilians, consistent with Canada's longstanding commitment to the rule of law and the international rules-based order (United Nations, 1945; Department of National Defence, 2021).
The Iranian Canadian Congress remains steadfast in its commitment to peace and justice. We condemn the war on Iran and do not believe that military aggression and adventurism can bring lasting peace to Iran or the broader region of West Asia. History has repeatedly demonstrated that armed conflict inflicts profound human suffering, destabilizes entire regions, and creates long-term consequences that extend far beyond national borders (Best, 1994; Cassese et al., 2013).
We therefore call upon all parties to pursue dialogue and peaceful, non-partisan avenues toward reconciliation, accountability, and a just and sustainable peace grounded in respect for international law, human rights, and the dignity of all people (United Nations, 1945; United Nations, 1948).
References
Best, G. (1994). War and law since 1945. Oxford University Press.
Cassese, A., & Gaeta, P. (2013). Cassese’s international criminal law (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.
Department of National Defence. (2021). The law of armed conflict at the operational and tactical levels. Government of Canada.
Dinstein, Y. (2022). The conduct of hostilities under the law of international armed conflict (4th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (Fourth Geneva Convention), August 12, 1949, 75 U.N.T.S. 287.
Henckaerts, J.-M., & Doswald-Beck, L. (2005). Customary international humanitarian law (Vols. I–II). Cambridge University Press & International Committee of the Red Cross.
International Committee of the Red Cross. (1977). Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I).
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. (1998). 2187 U.N.T.S.
Sassòli, M. (2019). International humanitarian law: Rules, controversies, and solutions to problems arising in warfare. Edward Elgar Publishing.
United Nations. (1945). Charter of the United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter
United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. General Assembly Resolution 217 A (III). https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
United Nations Children's Fund. (2026, March 5). The brutality of war measured in children's lives as hostilities escalate in Iran. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/brutality-war-measured-childrens-lives-hostilities-escalate-iran
Statement by the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) on the Treatment of Iran’s National Football Team During the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) expresses its deep concern regarding the treatment of Iran’s national football team, players, officials, and supporters during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Sport has long served as a bridge between peoples, cultures, and nations. International sporting events should be spaces where athletes are judged by their performance on the field; not by political tensions, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or geopolitical disputes. Unfortunately, reports emerging from the tournament suggest that Iran’s national team has faced extraordinary logistical, administrative, and political obstacles that have not been applied equally to other participating nations.
According to multiple media reports, Iranian players and officials have faced visa restrictions, travel disruptions, the denial of entry to members of their delegation, forced cross-border travel arrangements, and limited access to the same accommodations and recovery opportunities afforded to other teams. Iranian players and coaching staff have publicly stated that these conditions have negatively affected their preparation, well-being, and ability to compete on equal terms.
ICC is equally troubled by reports of hostility directed toward the Iranian national anthem, the Iranian flag, and Iranian supporters. While individuals have every right to peacefully express political opinions, collective hostility toward athletes and fans based solely on their nationality undermines the principles of fairness, inclusion, and mutual respect that international sport is meant to uphold.
The Iranian national team does not represent a monolithic political viewpoint. It consists of athletes who have dedicated their lives to representing their country on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, players should not become targets of discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment.
We therefore call upon FIFA, tournament organizers, and host authorities in Canada, the United States, and Mexico to:
1. Ensure that all participating teams are treated fairly and consistently.
2. Guarantee equal access to travel, accommodations, training facilities, and recovery opportunities.
3. Protect players, officials, and supporters from discrimination and harassment.
4. Uphold FIFA’s commitment to respect, inclusion, and the non-politicization of sport.
5. Ensure that all fans can safely and peacefully support their teams without intimidation.
The Iranian Canadian Congress firmly believes that disagreements between governments should never result in the unequal treatment of athletes or ordinary people. The World Cup should be a celebration of human excellence, international friendship, and the unifying power of sport.
At a time when divisions around the world are deepening, we urge all stakeholders to reaffirm the principles of dignity, equality, and respect for all participants.
Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC)
Prime Minister response to ICC President's letter
On May 12th, 2026, Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada sent the following response to Mona Ghassemi, President of ICC:
Mona Ghassemi, sent the letter below to the Prime Minister on 3rd of March, 2026:
Petition E-7389: Raise Your Voice for Accountability and International Law
Raise Your Voice for Accountability and International Law
Sign here: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7389
Step 2: Confirm in the email you get to register your signature.
A new House of Commons e-petition (e-7389) is calling on the Government of Canada to condemn the deadly attack on a school in Minab, Iran, support independent investigations, and review Canada’s military and arms-transfer relationships connected to the War on Iran.
If you believe civilian lives, international humanitarian law, and accountability matter, regardless of politics, take one minute to sign and share.
Every signature helps bring the issue before Parliament. Please share with friends, family, and your community across Canada.
Read moreRequest for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Concerns Regarding U.S. and Israel Conflict with Iran
Mona Borghei, Vice President of the Iranian Canadian Congress has written a letter to urge the Government of Canada to take a clear and principled position in response to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, including the attack on the Institute Pasteur of Iran, a critical scientific and public health institution.
We respectfully call on your government to unequivocally condemn these acts and to commit to non-participation in this conflict.
Congratulation letter to Avi Lewis, new NDP leader
ICC president, Mona Ghassemi wrote to Avi Lewis, the new leader of NDP Canada to congratulate him on his recent election:
ICC President letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney regarding the US-Israeli War on Iran
Mona Ghassemi, President of Iranian Canadian Congress has written the following letter to Prime Minister, Mark Carney, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand and Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty:
Letter to the leadership of Mères au front in support of Ms. Khadija Barbe
ICC President, Mona Ghassemi has sent the following letter in support of Ms. Khadija Barbe to the leadership of Mères au front:
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/iraniancanadiancongress/pages/4561/attachments/original/1774620950/2026-03-21_Re%CC%81ponse_Me%CC%80res_au_front.pdf?1774620950
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Joint Press Release: Unwavering Condemnation of Systematic Attacks on Healthcare Institutions and Critical Infrastructure in Iran
Joint Press Release
Iranian‑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.
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