The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) expresses its deep concerns regarding the escalation of tensions in West Asia. Despite ongoing deadly operations by Israel in Gaza, over 100 hostages are still believed to be held captive there.

In these operations, the Israeli government has indiscriminately attacked innocent civilians, resulting in over 41,500 Palestinians killed, more than 95000 people injured, and more than two million people displaced in the last year. This is not to mention the many thousands of additional deaths due to starvation and disease. In the face of an unprecedented level of international outcry and confirmation of Israel’s war crimes by both the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court, instead of accepting international calls for a ceasefire, Israel has expanded its aggression against Lebanon and has carried out multiple assassination operations, leading to the killing of thousands of additional civilians across the region. The Israeli government has demonstrated its full disregard of many international laws.

In recent days, in retaliation for Israeli aggression — including the killing of a peace negotiator on Iranian soil— the Iranian armed forces carried out a response against military targets in Israel. Since Iran’s response on October 1, 2024, Israeli officials are threatening to once again attack Iran, including by targeting oil refineries, infrastructure, and civilian nuclear program, which is under the inspection and monitoring of the IAEA. Such attacks would have devastating consequences for the Iranian people and could expand the conflict into a regional war, endangering the lives of millions of Muslims, Jews, Christians, and other citizens of the West Asia.

Considering that thousands of Canadian citizens and their family members live across the region and in the countries impacted by the Israeli government’s military operations, the Iranian Canadian Congress is deeply concerned about these recent escalations. We urge the Canadian federal government to use all diplomatic means available, including rallying the international community, to pressure the Israeli government to accept a ceasefire in Gaza, to stop its aggression toward Lebanon, and to refrain from expanding the war, including against Iran.

The time has come for this genocidal war to come to an end. A just and lasting peace is in the interest of all people in the region and in the interest of Canada and the Canadian people.

ICC Warns Against Escalation of Tensions in Canada-Iran Relations 

On Wednesday June 19, 2024, the Government of Canada designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity under the Canadian Criminal Code. The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has consistently condemned the IRGC's downing of Ukrainian flight PS752 and has advocated for justice and accountability for the victims and their families. The ICC has also urged Iran to adhere to its international human rights obligations. 

However, the ICC views the designation of an official military branch of a sovereign nation—which has mandatory conscription—as reckless and inconsistent with the decision taken by most countries allied with Canada. This designation occurred the day after the UN Human Rights “Commission found that Israeli authorities are responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, murder or wilful killing, intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects, forcible transfer, sexual violence, torture and inhuman or cruel treatment, arbitrary detention and outrages upon personal dignity. " This action, at a time when regional tensions are at an all-time high and there is a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza expanding into a broader regional conflict, particularly along the Israel-Lebanon border and  when the region most needs Canada to act constructively as an honest broker to help deescalate tensions in the region, endangers Canada’s interests in the region and the safety of Canadian citizens traveling to Iran or living in Iran. 

Despite calls from Iranian Canadians and experts to safeguard individuals who have completed their mandatory military service in the IRGC, the Canadian government has yet to implement specific exclusions from this designation. For over six years, the Prime Minister and his cabinet have said that they have been working on developing a responsible approach to this issue. However, when questioned by reporters, the Minister of Justice offered only a vague response, stating that cases involving former IRGC conscripts would be evaluated individually. The ICC strongly urges the federal government to ensure that the IRGC designation does not indiscriminately apply to individuals compelled to serve in the IRGC who have not engaged in any criminal activities under Canadian law. 

In 2019, the Trump administration designated the IRGC as a foreign terrorist entity in the United States, which led to the escalation of tensions between the two countries, culminating in the downing of flight PS7522. At the time, Prime Minister Trudeau correctly stated that “if there were no tensions, if there was no escalation recently in the region, those Canadians would be right now home with their families." It is extremely disappointing that our country has taken an action that will neither advance Canada's national interests nor benefit the people of Iran, nor will it help de-escalate tensions in the region. 

Closing submission by Iranian Canadian Congress

Stage 1 Hearings of Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions

Statement on Recent Escalation of Tensions in West Asia

Last week’s Israeli forces missile strikes targeting the Iranian Consulate, which also damaged the Canadian Embassy in Syria raised major concern within the Iranian Canadian community. Such breaches of united nations resolutions and violations of international law, which should have been condemned, led to Iran's retaliatory strike against Israeli military installations on April 13th.  

We implore the Canadian government to champion the enforcement of UN Resolutions regarding Palestine and actively promote peace, equity, and stability in the region. 

We are pleased to inform you that the ICC has been granted standing at the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes in Canada. This is a crucial opportunity for us to actively participate in ensuring the transparency and fairness of our electoral system.

As an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and interests of Iranian Canadians, this is a pivotal moment for us to contribute to safeguarding the democratic process in our country. However, we cannot do this alone.

In order to effectively represent our community's concerns and interests at the inquiry, we need your support. We are reaching out to our members, donors, and supporters to ask for your assistance in this matter.

Here's how you can help:

1. Financial Contributions: Your donations will enable us to cover legal expenses, research costs, and other necessary expenditures related to our participation in the inquiry. No amount is too small, and every contribution makes a difference.

2. Spread the Word: Please share this news with your networks and encourage others to support our efforts. The more people we have standing with us, the stronger our voice will be.

3. Volunteer: If you have expertise or skills that could be valuable to our efforts, we welcome your volunteer assistance. Whether it's legal expertise, research skills, or outreach support, your contribution can have a meaningful impact.

4. Stay Informed and Engaged: Keep up to date with developments related to the inquiry and participate in relevant advocacy efforts. Your engagement is vital in ensuring that our community's concerns are heard and addressed.

We are committed to representing the interests of Iranian Canadians and advocating for a fair and transparent electoral process. With your support, we can make a meaningful impact at this critical juncture.

If you would like to contribute or get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] .

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Iranian Canadian community.

Iranian Canadian Congress expresses disappointment in Canada’s decision to participate in the US-led military operation in the Red Sea. Given the exceptionally heightened tensions, these military interventions pose a significant risk of escalating West Asia into a full-scale war, which would be catastrophic for all parties involved, particularly the civilian population throughout the region.  

For over three months, Canadians have been fervently urging their elected representatives to advocate for an immediate and lasting ceasefire to bring an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. It is imperative for the Canadian government to demand a ceasefire alongside South Africa in the International Court of Justice against the genocide in Gaza and call for the immediate removal of the blockade affecting the fundamental livelihood of the Gaza population, including access to clean water, food and medication.   

We urge Canada to assume a constructive role in the region, fostering implementation of UN Resolutions, peace, justice and stability rather than contributing to war and destruction. Canadians seek a sustainable ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, fearing the potential expansion of the conflict into neighboring countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Iran.  

Participating in military actions that jeopardize Canadian lives and perpetuate the loss of innocent men, women, and children in West Asia offers no benefit to Canadians and is instead a stain on Canada’s global reputation. It is crucial for Canada to prioritize diplomatic solutions and actively work towards a peaceful resolution in the region.  

The third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is on Saturday, Sept. 30.

روز حقیقت یابی و آشتی ملی با بومیان کانادا گرامی باد

Vice President of Iranian Canadian Congress, Mona Ghassemi has sent a letter to The Honourable Marc Miller regarding Concerns of Potential Immigration of MEK Members to Canada.

مصاحبه دکتر مسلم نوری، رییس کنگره ایرانیان کانادا با رسانه ایران وایر درباره لغو بازی دوستانه ایران و کانادا