Iranian-Canadians Fear Escalation of Middle East Conflict

Iranian-Canadians are expressing fear of escalating hostilities in the Middle East following the United States' involvement in the conflict with Iran. The recent air strikes, targeting nuclear sites, have heightened anxieties within the community.

Fakhreddin Jamali, co-founder of the Iranian Heritage Society of Edmonton, shared his concerns, particularly for his family members in Iran. He maintains daily contact with them, and they are on edge, anticipating further developments. He worries about the impact on essential services like supplies, medical care, and the potential overshadowing of the situation in Gaza. He hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

The conflict is also affecting social circles, with many Iranians expressing feelings of depression and worry. The Pentagon has reported significant damage to the targeted nuclear sites, which followed a week of attacks by Israel. Iran has vowed to retaliate, further escalating tensions.

Mona Ghassemi, president of the Iranian Canadian Congress, expressed deep concern within her community and a desire for unity. Her group condemns the U.S. attacks and is disappointed by the lack of condemnation from Prime Minister Mark Carney. She criticized a statement by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, calling it egregious, especially in light of the International Court of Justice's ruling regarding potential genocidal acts in Gaza.

Nima Machouf, a member of a Montreal Iranian women’s association, described the situation for family members in Iran as living "from one bomb to another." She fears the strikes will only lead to more violence and harm those seeking to liberate themselves from the regime.

Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer, noted that while many Iranians are worried about the impact of the U.S. involvement, some opponents of the regime are celebrating the strikes, viewing them as a dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.