Iranian-Canadians fear for loved ones amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict. Internet cuts and flight suspensions worsen the crisis and limit escape options.
Escalating Violence Fuels Fear Among Iranian-Canadians
As missile strikes intensify between Iran and Israel, Iranian-Canadians are growing increasingly desperate to contact loved ones trapped in conflict zones. Internet access remains restricted and outbound flights are suspended, creating panic and isolation for families in both countries.
Communication Cut Off as Bombs Fall
Mina Morshed, a Toronto resident, said her sick parents in Tehran are unreachable. In a brief phone call last Friday, her mother told her the bombing had begun—then the line went dead. “I’m very upset and worried about them,” Morshed told CBC. Iran’s communications ministry has curtailed internet access, citing Israeli cyber threats, further complicating family contact.
Hundreds Dead as Both Sides Exchange Fire
According to a Washington-based Iranian human rights group, at least 585 people, including 239 civilians, have been killed in Iran. Over 1,300 are wounded. Israel reports 24 dead and hundreds injured from more than 400 Iranian missiles and drone attacks. The ongoing strikes mark the most severe escalation in hostilities between the two nations in recent history.
Canadians Trapped Amid Border Closures
Global Affairs Canada estimates over 4,000 Canadians are currently in Iran and more than 6,600 in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Both Iran and Israel have suspended outgoing flights, forcing many to flee by car. Some have spent hours in gridlock trying to escape Tehran following evacuation warnings issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Stories of Separation and Anxiety
Besat Zardosht of London, Ontario, said she feels helpless hearing from her nieces and nephews in Iran. “My heart just wants to explode,” she said. Sara Shariati in Vancouver echoed similar fears about her father, a dual citizen still in Iran: “It’s a very scary time… I might not see him again.”
Few Safe Routes for Escape
Global Affairs Canada confirmed Canadians can cross into Turkey at three border points and into Armenia at one. Dr. Panid Borhanjoo from Hamilton recently escaped through Turkey after a harrowing journey from Tehran. “When my mom hugged me goodbye, she said, ‘If this is the last time I’m seeing you, I love you.’ That’s not something I’ll ever forget.”
Canadian Government Response
Canada has not received reports of citizens injured or killed in the region but has relocated some diplomatic personnel and families out of Tel Aviv and Ramallah. Canadians in the Middle East are urged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive safety updates.
Diplomatic Limitations and Travel Warnings
While Canadian consular services remain operational in Tel Aviv and Ramallah, no such presence exists in Iran since diplomatic ties were severed in 2012. The federal government has issued a strong warning against all travel to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, and against non-essential travel to Lebanon and Jordan.
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