Demonstrators gathered in downtown Toronto on Saturday, 1 February 2026, in a powerful show of solidarity with anti-government protests in Iran, as members of the local Iranian-Canadian community grapple with personal loss and report intimidation on Canadian soil.
Latest Developments: Grief and Defiance in the Diaspora
The rally, which caused traffic delays in the city centre, coincided with harrowing accounts from Iranian-Canadians who have lost family members in the deadly protests that have swept Iran since late January. Tayebeh Poshtareh, a Toronto resident, told media she learned of her cousins’ deaths in Tehran via an Instagram post, a stark example of the communication blackouts imposed by Iranian authorities.
Organizers of the Toronto event and international observers estimate the death toll from the recent wave of protests has reached approximately 4,000, though official figures from the Islamic Republic are not available. The protests were initially triggered by a severe economic crisis and the plummeting value of Iran’s currency but have since broadened into a wider movement against the regime.
In a disturbing incident highlighting the transnational nature of the conflict, Iranian dissidents in Canada reported being physically assaulted and threatened after placing anti-regime protest flyers inside a Sephora store in Toronto. This has raised concerns about the safety of diaspora activists.
Historical Context: A Recurring Pattern
Mass protests in Iran are not a new phenomenon. The current unrest echoes previous major upheavals:
- 2009: The “Green Movement” saw massive protests following the disputed re-election of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
- 2022-2023: Nationwide protests erupted after the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran’s morality police, sparking the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement.
- Canada-Iran Relations: Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1955 but have been severely strained for decades, particularly following the 2012 closure of Canada’s embassy in Tehran.
International Reactions and Warnings
As global condemnation grows, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a stark warning over the weekend, stating that while Iran does not seek conflict, it “will strike back forcefully” to any external threats, hinting at the potential for a wider regional war.
Opinion pieces in Canadian and international media reflect a spectrum of views, from calls for a “Nuremberg moment” to hold the regime accountable, to analyses suggesting that foreign military intervention is unlikely to benefit the Iranian people and could exacerbate the situation.
Community Response Across Canada
Beyond Toronto, expressions of support have emerged nationwide. The Barrie Persian Association held a rally calling for a “transitional leadership” in Iran, while student groups at universities like Toronto Metropolitan University have been vocal, expressing a mix of grief, fear, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked the latest wave of protests in Iran?
While the underlying causes are deep-seated discontent with the Islamic Republic, the immediate trigger in late December 2025 was a severe economic crisis, including a dramatic fall in the value of Iran’s currency. This economic anger has since merged with broader political grievances, continuing the momentum from the 2022-2023 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death.
How is the Iranian diaspora in Canada responding?
The response has been multifaceted: organizing public demonstrations like the 1 February march in Toronto; sharing painful personal stories of loss; advocating for international attention; and facing intimidation. Community associations, student groups, and religious organizations are actively raising awareness and calling for support.
What is the current state of Canada-Iran relations?
Relations remain officially severed. Canada has not had an embassy in Tehran since 2012 and lists Iran as a state supporter of terrorism under the Justice for Victims of Terrorism Act. The Canadian government has consistently condemned human rights abuses in Iran, a position reinforced by the current crisis.