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 (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.

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.

ICC President has sent the following letter for the President of The Conservative Party of Canada regarding Mr. Polievre statement in favor of more war and violence in West Asia: 

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.

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. 

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.  

As we are approaching the fourth anniversary of the downing of Flight PS752 by IRGC missiles, we commemorate the victims of this tragedy as well as those killed this week in the terrorist attack for which ISIS has claimed responsibility in Kerman, Iran. 

As Prime Minister Trudeau rightfully noted in 2020, “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 crucial to acknowledge that the first victims of war and conflict are innocent civilians. Furthermore, as the tragic incident of Flight PS752 has shown, any threat to innocent lives in Iran is also a threat to Canadian lives. 

Tensions are extraordinarily high, with the United States, Iran, and Israel going on the brink of a regional war that would be disastrous for all involved, including civilian populations across the region. 

We urge the government of Canada to condemn this attack and express solidarity with the people of Iran. Acts of terrorism anywhere in the world inherently oppose humanity, morality, and global unity, and are to be strongly condemned. 

The ties between Canadians and Iranians run deep, necessitating that Canada plays a positive role in the region to foster peace and stability. This includes pursuing a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, drawing on Canada's longstanding tradition of mediation and diplomacy. 

In the face of this tragic and devastating event, it is imperative to stand together as a community—united and strong. Let us share our compassion, empathy, and connectedness while sympathizing with the grief-stricken families who have lost their loved ones. 

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish recovery for those injured in the terrorist attack. 

Iranian Canadian Congress