Canada on alert as Iran threatens domestic critics after Israel attacks
The tension between Iran and Israel has not only impacted the Middle East but has also raised concerns for national security in Canada. The Canadian government’s department responsible for national security, Public Safety Canada, is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East following Iran’s retaliatory military attacks against Israel. The current national terrorism threat level in Canada is medium, indicating the possibility of a violent extremist attack.
Irwin Cotler, a former Canadian justice minister and human rights advocate, has been a vocal critic of the Iranian regime and has been targeted by the regime. He has been under RCMP protection since 2023 when a death threat from Iran was identified against him. Cotler has emphasized the Iranian regime’s campaign of massive domestic oppression against its opponents and the potential for transnational repression against its critics abroad.
Recent developments in Iran, including the execution of political prisoners and arrests of alleged collaborators with Israel, have raised concerns about the safety of Iranian diaspora groups, human rights defenders, journalists, Jews, and Israelis. Cotler is working to secure the release of Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish Iranian physician accused of being an Israeli spy, who is facing imminent execution in Iran.
Cotler has also raised concerns about sleeper cells possibly being activated in Canada to target opponents of the Iranian regime. He is urging the Canadian government to establish an independent agency to address external threats of repression and assassination from rogue countries like Iran, China, and Russia. He believes that the number of IRGC agents operating in Canada is underestimated and that the threat is greater than currently appreciated.
Canada has taken steps to address threats from Iran, including listing the IRGC as a terrorist entity in 2024. The government has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since 2012 and is concerned about foreign interference and the actions of the Iranian regime. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to seeking accountability for the downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
The Canada Border Services Agency has identified 20 people deemed inadmissible due to their ties to senior Iranian officials. The families of the victims of the downed flight have reportedly faced harassment and threats following the tragedy.
As tensions between Iran and the West continue to escalate, Canada remains vigilant in monitoring potential threats and protecting its citizens from foreign interference and violence. The government is working to address the challenges posed by the Iranian regime and ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.
