Canadian police chiefs say there are no current, credible threats to Canadians following recent airstrikes in Iran, but are urging vigilance amid heightened geopolitical tensions. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police warns that periods of international conflict can inspire extremist groups and individuals to incite violence.
Iran Conflict and Potential Threats to Canada
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police stated there is no current intelligence indicating problems in Canada as the airstrikes in Iran enter a second day. However, the association cautioned that geopolitical tension can be exploited by extremist networks, hate-motivated individuals, or proxy-related threat actors.
“While there is no specific threat at this time, awareness and early reporting are essential components of prevention,” the association said.
The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran on Saturday, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Concerns have been raised about potential transnational repression, with the Islamic Republic potentially retaliating against figures within the Iranian diaspora.
Shooting at Iranian Canadian Activist’s Gym
A boxing gym owned by Salar Gholami, a prominent Iranian Canadian activist, was shot at overnight in Thornhill, Ont. Gholami, who leads the organization of large-scale Iran protests in Toronto, said 17 bullets penetrated the walls of the gym, which he uses as a headquarters for organizing solidarity marches.
“The windows are broken and the bullets penetrated the walls, into the concrete,” Gholami said in a statement translated by spokesperson Pouria Afkhami. “This shows that it’s no longer safe here for Canadians themselves.”
Gholami believes the gym was targeted due to his activism and alleges the shooting was carried out by individuals linked to the Islamic Republic. He also reports receiving daily threats against his life.
Local police are investigating the shooting at the commercial property, but the motive remains unclear.
History of Iranian Retaliation and Current Travel Disruptions
Under Khamenei, Iran has a history of retaliating against western countries through cyberattacks, online harassment, and assassination attempts.
Thomas Juneau, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa’s school of public and international affairs, said Canada should be concerned about transnational repression and the targeting of Iranian-Canadian dissidents and human rights activists. “Survival at home includes countering anti-regime activism abroad. They won’t disentangle these two things,” he said.
Sajjan Gohel, international security director at the Asia Pacific Foundation, suggested Iran could utilize connections with organized criminal groups to target the Iranian diaspora, with the intent to intimidate or cause harm.
Iran has responded to the U.S.-Israel airstrikes with missile and drone attacks on Israel and nearby Arab Gulf countries hosting U.S. forces.
The conflict has caused widespread disruption to air travel, leaving hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded. Air Canada has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until March 8 and to Dubai until Tuesday. Passengers in those regions are advised not to go to the airport.
Toronto’s Pearson Airport is warning of delays and cancellations due to airspace closures and advises passengers to check their flight status before travelling.
Airports and international airspace above Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates are currently shut down.
Officials at Dubai International Airport reported four injuries, while Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi reported one death and seven injuries due to drone strikes. Strikes were also reported at Kuwait International Airport.
More than 1,800 flights were cancelled Sunday, including those in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt, with further cancellations expected.
Canada is advising people to avoid all travel to Lebanon, Israel and Palestine, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iran, Syria and Yemen. Non-essential travel is discouraged to Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
Kathryn Mannie, The Canadian Press
With files from The Associated Press
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 1, 2026.
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