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.

International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the decades-long struggle for
equality, justice, and human dignity. Iranian women have long been at the forefront of
advocating for justice and freedom. They have demonstrated their capabilities and excellence
across diverse fields, including science, culture, and sports. In universities and research
institutions, thousands of Iranian women serve as professors, researchers, and students,
playing a vital role in advancing knowledge and scientific progress. In many academic
disciplines, women make up a significant portion of the scientific community. In the fields of arts
and sports, the achievements of Iranian women and girls not only exceed regional and Asian
levels 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, these
achievements are more vulnerable than ever. War not only threatens the lives of civilians but
also 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, and
social opportunities for women become severely restricted. Over the past week alone, several
sports facilities, including the 12,000-seat indoor stadium that serves as a major training
and preparation center for Iran’s national women’s teams, have been destroyed.

For years, women in Iran have courageously worked toward achieving peaceful change and
improving the lives of themselves and their communities. The continuation of war and instability
not 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 have
struggled, and continue to struggle, for dignity and equality. At the same time, we emphasize
that peace, security, and stability are essential prerequisites for advancing women’s rights and
realizing 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 across
various 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 1,000
international medals, demonstrating a major rise in women’s sports participation and
success.
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, 4
silver, 14 bronze), making them one of the most successful women’s teams at the
event.
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 the
leading 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's
progress that must not be endangered by war and violence.

President of Iranian Canadian Congress, Mona Ghassemi has sent the following letter to the Prime Minister of Canada, Foreign affairs Minister and Minister of National defense regarding the US-Israeli war on Iran

https://assets.nationbuilder.com/iraniancanadiancongress/pages/4462/attachments/original/1772651488/Iranian_Canadian_Congress_letter_to_Prime_Minister-Signed.pdf?1772651488

The Iranian Canadian Congress is deeply saddened by and condemns in the strongest possible terms the illegal attacks and declaration of war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. This flagrant violation of international law is an escalation based on bad-faith negotiations. These negotiations, in which Iran was threatened with war if it did not meet excessive demands, included pressure to give up the right to conventional defense capabilities (its missile defense system) enshrined in article 51 of the UN charter. In the last 48 hours, we know that several government officials were killed, including the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, several of whose family members, including a 14-month-old granddaughter, were not spared. We are devastated to learn of multiple civilian and civilian infrastructure casualties, including hospitals and clinics, medical and humanitarian facilities of the Red Crescent, sports teams and grounds, and schools.  
 
In particular, we unequivocally condemn the horrific bombing of the Shajareh Tayebbeh girls’ elementary school in the Southern Iranian town of Minab, Hormozgan province. This bombing on the morning of Saturday February 28th, the start of the regular work week in Iran, resulted in the untimely deaths of  at least 165 people, most of whom were innocent schoolgirls between the ages of seven and twelve, and injuring 96 more. A total of 170 students attended the school, and the school building itself was almost completely destroyed.  This is a calamity for Minab’s 80,000 residents, for all Iranians, and Canadians of good conscience. 
 
 
UNESCO has called this indiscriminate attack “a grave violation of humanitarian law”. In addition to the tragedy of the innocent lives lost, attacks on educational institutions undermine the right to education. This serious violation exposes the lie that the U.S. and Israel want to “help” the people of Iran. This “help” now comes in the form of bombs that take Iranian children’s lives.  

We do not want to see more innocent lives lost. We demand that the Canadian government take steps to de-escalate the situation through diplomatic means in line with international law, and not participate in this devastating war, which is quickly expanding throughout the region.

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) expresses deep concern regarding recent public discourse and policy directions that may contribute to escalating tensions involving Iran and the broader region. ICC firmly opposes any form of war, military intervention, or foreign interference against any sovereign nation.

Experience has shown that sanctions, confrontation, and coercive approaches rarely improve the daily lives of ordinary people and often deepen hardship for civilians and diaspora communities alike. Many Iranian Canadians continue to face uncertainty, prolonged immigration challenges, and social pressures that are intensified during periods of geopolitical tension.

At a time when global instability is increasing, ICC calls for restraint, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to diplomacy. Lasting and legitimate change must emerge through peaceful and democratic processes shaped by the people themselves, not through external pressure or military action.

Iranian Canadians remain deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of their families and loved ones. War brings devastating human, social, and economic consequences whose impacts extend far beyond borders and generations.

Canada has long presented itself as a supporter of peace, multilateralism, and diplomatic engagement. ICC encourages all governments to uphold these principles in practice by promoting de-escalation, restoring channels of communication, and prioritizing peaceful solutions.

As a Canadian organization, ICC affirms the importance of sovereignty, self-determination, and mutual respect among nations. Iranian Canadians who have made Canada their home hope to see policies that reflect compassion, balance, and a commitment to global peace.

ICC therefore calls for:

• De-escalation of tensions and rejection of military solutions
• Respect for international law and national sovereignty
• Restoration of meaningful diplomatic engagement
• Policies that prioritize human security and the well-being of civilians

Peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and constructive cooperation remain the only sustainable path forward.

The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) is devastated and gravely concerned regarding the ongoing spread and escalating severity of criminal threats and acts of violence by extremists against members of the Iranian Canadian community. Iranian Canadians who believe in non-violent, sustainable, and indigenous progress and oppose foreign meddling, war, coup d'état and installation of a foreign puppet monarchy in Iran, as well as those who are visibly Muslim and attending Islamic Centers, have been particularly targeted. We had warned about a coordinated campaign of harassment and violence against Iranian Canadians in a previous ICC statement. 

 Below are only a few examples of harassment and physical violence that have been reported to the Iranian Canadian Congress to date:  

 In British Columbia, an Iranian Canadian political activist who had sued Reza Pahlavi and received a wave of vile death threats from monarchist extremists has gone missing as of February 6th. RCMP officials have stated they believe criminality is involved in the disappearance.  

• In Alberta, a mob of monarchist extremists attacked an Iranian Islamic Centre on February 7th and brutally assaulted two Iranian Canadians in attendance. This incident resulted in the hospitalization of one of the victims and terrorized the entire congregation. Local police department had been alerted in advance of the threats against the specific Islamic Centre and event, yet they ignored the warnings and failed to protect their community. 

• In British Columbia, a senior Muslim woman who volunteers at the local Iranian Islamic Centre was targeted and physically assaulted in January 2026. 

• Many Iranian Canadians have received vile threats of violence including death threats from monarchist extremists since 2025. 

• Multiple Iranian Canadian-owned businesses in the provinces of British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta and Quebec have been threatened and coerced to display the monarchist flag in their stores since January 2026. 

 The ICC reiterates its concerns for the safety and security of the Iranian Canadian community and calls for the protection of their democratic rights to freedom of expression, religion, association and peaceful assembly. We urge the Canadian Department of Justice, RCMP, and local police departments to investigate the coordinated campaign of threats and acts of violence against our community members, take credible threats of violence seriously before they are manifested as acts of violence, and bring violent offenders to justice. 

We express our heartfelt sympathy to all Iranian Canadians during this trying time and look forward to brighter days ahead. 

The Iranian Canadian Congress 

The Iranian Canadian Congress condemns the escalating campaign of targeted harassment, doxing, and professional sabotage directed at Iranian Canadian faculty, researchers, professionals, business owners, and sometimes ordinary people irrespective of profession. Over the past weeks, Iranian individuals who do not publicly align with specific political movements, such as calling for the restoration of the Iranian monarchy, have been targeted for professional and personal ruin, often in repeated cycles. 
 
We have received multiple reports from individuals being doxed and harassed, regardless of their digital footprint. Professionals are being singled out for the mere act of wearing hijab, or for publishing articles and research that cite Iranian, or even Israeli sources that challenge the pro-war narrative. Iranian-owned shops and other businesses are being targeted and threatened with loss of business if they do not display the Iranian monarchist flag. 
 
This is a coordinated effort to create a climate of fear to ensure that Iranian voices, particularly those who advocate for peace or oppose war, are silenced through organized reputational threats and character assassination. 
 
As a grassroots organization, we are doing everything within our means to manage this surge and provide support to those targeted. We urge employers, university chairs, professional associations, and business associations to recognize these influxes of complaints for what they are: a targeted campaign to suppress dissent and intimidate professionals. 
 
To Our Institutional Partners: 
We remain a dedicated resource for the broader community. We invite HR departments, university leadership, and organizational heads to reach out to us directly if you require context or information regarding the safety and well-being of your Iranian staff or colleagues who may be facing these pressures. 

To Our Community:  
We are actively working on programming to address fears and concerns and provide resources to help manage the backlash. We will update members about such programming via our social media channels. Our mental health series on Instagram remains a timely source of tools in the form of expert psychological advice. We also encourage individuals to document any attacks against them and pursue law enforcement and legal channels if relevant. At this moment we also point to the following resources regarding the prevention and management of internet-based attacks:  

https://www.iccongress.ca/educational_tools_against_online_harassment_cyberbullying (past post containing links to multiple resources)  

https://www.equalitylabs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/EQUALITY-LABS-ANTI-DOXING-GUIDE-FOR-ACTIVISTS-3.0.pdf 
(additional resource) 

Interview of Mona Ghassemi, President of Iranian Canadian Congress with CBC Power & Politics regarding recent protests in Iran

https://youtu.be/Il5AWzeBYaA?si=Ry8Kq4g64OxvHiip

Here is a joint letter from 70 Iranian Canadian and Civil Society Organizations to the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Defense urging them to change course before it is too late.