Canadian Communities Worried After U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites
Iranian Canadians and Jewish groups across the country expressed deep concern on Sunday after the United States launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites. Many fear this could lead to more violence in the Middle East.
Nimâ Machouf, a member of an Iranian women’s group in Montreal, said her relatives in Iran are living in fear.
“They go from one bomb to the next,” she said during a phone call. “I’m really worried. This won’t bring peace—it will just make things worse.”
Machouf, who is also a former political candidate and health expert, believes the strikes hurt the people trying to fight against Iran’s strict government.
“The people are left without help—from their own leaders and from the world,” she said. “They feel abandoned.”
Early Sunday, the U.S. joined Israel’s military efforts by striking three nuclear sites in Iran.
In response, police in Toronto and Vancouver said they are increasing security around the cities, especially near places of worship, cultural centres, and embassies. Police say this is to keep communities safe and make sure any protests stay peaceful.
“Even though the conflict is far away, it still affects people here,” Vancouver police posted on social media. “We are working with local faith and community leaders. Your safety is our priority.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media that the U.S. acted to stop a serious threat to world security. He repeated that Canada believes Iran must never be allowed to build a nuclear weapon.
However, Carney warned the situation is dangerous and called for peace talks.
Noah Shack, head of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, said Iran’s nuclear program puts the world at risk.
“Getting rid of that danger is key to making the Middle East—and the world—a safer place,” he wrote. He also urged Canada to stay strong against Iran’s government.
Kaveh Shahrooz, a lawyer and expert with a think tank, said many Iranians fear what the strikes will mean for people living in Iran.
“There’s a lot of worry because we don’t know what’s really happening,” he said. Shahrooz explained that the Iranian government doesn’t have proper safety systems like warning sirens or shelters, and the internet has been shut down in many areas.
“People are scared, and we won’t know the full story until we can speak to our families again,” he said.
Shahrooz added that people in Canada’s Iranian community have mixed feelings—some are angry about the strikes, while others support them.
“There are people who hate Iran’s regime and are glad to see its nuclear program destroyed,” he said. “They see it as a step forward.”
But Machouf disagrees, saying that only the Iranian people can bring real change to their country. She called the idea that Israel could “liberate” Iran a “masquerade.”
Meanwhile, Gur Tsabar, a spokesperson for the group Jews Say No to Genocide, said a protest called “Hands Off Iran” was held Sunday afternoon in Toronto. It called for an arms embargo on Israel and included 16 co-organizers, such as the Iranian Canadian Congress, Palestinian Youth Movement, and labour unions.
Tsabar said the strikes by Israel and the U.S. are “beyond disturbing.”
