Canadian national security is monitoring potential threats from Iranian sleeper cells targeting opponents of the Iranian regime on Canadian soil. Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, who has been targeted by Iran, warns of intensified 'transnational repression' against Iranian diaspora groups, human rights defenders, journalists, Jews, and Israelis. The national terrorism threat level in Canada is 'medium'. Concerns are raised about the number of IRGC agents in Canada and the need for an independent agency to address external threats.
Iranian sleeper cells may be targeting opponents on Canadian soil
CanadaIranTerrorism
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Canadian national security is monitoring potential threats from Iranian sleeper cells targeting opponents of the Iranian regime on Canadian soil. Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, who has been targeted by Iran, warns of intensified 'transnational repression' against Iranian diaspora groups, human rights defenders, journalists, Jews, and Israelis. The national terrorism threat level in Canada is 'medium'. Concerns are raised about the number of IRGC agents in Canada and the need for an independent agency to address external threats.
Trending- 1 2008: Irwin Cotler called for the IRGC to be listed as a terrorist entity.
- 2 2012: Canada ceased diplomatic relations with Iran.
- 3 2020: Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 was downed by Iran.
- 4 2022: The U.S. Justice Department formally accused Ruhollah Bazghandi of involvement in a plot to kill Masih Alinejad in New York City.
- 5 2022: Canada declared the Iranian regime a 'terrorist entity'.
- 6 2023: Canadian intelligence officials identified a death threat against Irwin Cotler from Iran, leading to his round-the-clock RCMP protection.
- 7 This week (June 2025): Three political prisoners were executed in Iran over charges of espionage for Israel.
- 8 This week (June 2025): Ahmadreza Djalali was moved from Iran’s Evin Prison to an undisclosed location.
- 9 During the 12-day war with Israel (recent): Another 700 Iranians were arrested under allegations of collaborating with Israel.
- 10 Last Saturday (recent): Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand had a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- 11 Wednesday (recent): The Globe and Mail reported that the Canada Border Services Agency had identified 20 people deemed inadmissible because they are believed to be senior Iranian officials.
- Increased national terrorism threat level in Canada (medium)
- Targeting of Iranian diaspora groups, human rights defenders, journalists, Jews, and Israelis
- Death threats against individuals like Irwin Cotler
- Executions of political prisoners in Iran
- Arrests of Iranians accused of collaborating with Israel
- Harassment and threats against victims' families of Flight PS752
- Identification of inadmissible senior Iranian officials by Canada Border Services Agency
What: Iranian sleeper cells may be targeting opponents of the Iranian regime, including diaspora groups, human rights defenders, journalists, Jews, and Israelis, on Canadian soil.
When: Ongoing, with recent statements from Public Safety Canada and Irwin Cotler. A death threat against Cotler was identified in 2023. Recent events include executions in Iran and arrests during the 12-day war with Israel.
Where: Canada (specifically Ottawa, Montreal), Iran (Tehran, Evin Prison), Israel, New York City (US), The Hague (Netherlands).
Why: The Iranian regime is intensifying its campaign of 'massive domestic oppression' against its opponents at home and could embark on 'transnational repression' against its opponents abroad.
How: Through potential activation of sleeper cells, death threats, and other forms of repression. The article mentions a 2022 plot to kill Masih Alinejad in New York City.