At the peak of protests in Iran in January 2026, Mona Ghassani, president of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC), appeared on CBC to discuss the situation. During the interview, Ghassani attributed the unrest not only to the Iranian regime but also to U.S. sanctions and Israeli influence, claiming these external factors have exacerbated the crisis. This perspective contrasted sharply with the views of many in the Iranian-Canadian community, where there is significant support for regime change and condemnation of the Iranian government. Following Ghassani’s comments, backlash emerged within the community, leading to a rare apology from the CBC for amplifying what some viewed as a pro-regime narrative. In response, a petition was initiated by activist Nazanin Afshin-Jam MacKay, calling for a review of the ICC’s governance and legitimacy, which garnered over 13,000 signatures, underscoring a growing divide between the ICC and the broader Iranian-Canadian population.
Why It Matters
The tensions within the Iranian-Canadian community reflect broader geopolitical issues, particularly regarding U.S.-Iran relations and the ongoing protests against the Islamic Republic. The protests, which began in late 2025, have led to significant civilian casualties, with reports estimating over 20,000 deaths due to government crackdowns. The ICC’s position and the backlash against it highlight the complexities of diaspora politics and the varying opinions among Iranian-Canadians about how to address the situation in Iran. Historical context shows that external influences, including sanctions and military actions, have had profound impacts on Iran’s socio-political landscape, complicating the discourse within the community about the best path forward for Iran’s future.
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