Authorities urge vigilance as global tensions rise and air travel disruptions spread across the Middle East
Canadian police leaders say there is no imminent threat to Canada or Canadians as tensions escalate in the Middle East following a major U.S.–Israel military strike on Iran.
The reassurance comes as the conflict entered its second day after airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police stated that while there is no current intelligence pointing to specific risks within Canada, periods of international instability can sometimes inspire extremist networks or individuals motivated by hate.
In a public statement, the association noted that geopolitical tensions may be exploited to incite hate-fuelled violence. However, it emphasized that there is no specific threat at this time and encouraged Canadians to remain aware and report suspicious activity promptly as a preventative measure.
Concerns about potential transnational repression have also surfaced. Some experts have warned that the Islamic Republic could attempt retaliation against members of the Iranian diaspora abroad, particularly activists critical of the regime.
In Thornhill, just north of Toronto, a commercial property housing a boxing gym owned by Iranian-Canadian activist Salar Gholami was struck by gunfire overnight. Gholami, who has played a leading role in organizing large pro-democracy demonstrations in Toronto in recent weeks, said 17 bullets were fired into the building, damaging windows and penetrating concrete walls. He believes the incident was linked to his activism and has alleged involvement by individuals connected to the Iranian government. He also stated that he has been receiving daily threats against his life.
Local police confirmed they are investigating the shooting at the commercial property but said the motive remains unclear.
Security analysts say Canada should remain attentive to the potential risks faced by Iranian-Canadian dissidents and human rights advocates. Thomas Juneau, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa’s School of Public and International Affairs, said regimes under pressure domestically may attempt to counter activism abroad. Sajjan Gohel of the Asia Pacific Foundation added that Iran could potentially use contacts within organized criminal groups to intimidate or target members of the diaspora.
Under Khamenei’s leadership, Iran had previously been linked to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, online harassment campaigns and alleged assassination attempts targeting opponents in Western countries.
The conflict is also creating significant disruption to international travel. Iran has responded to the U.S.–Israel strikes with missile and drone attacks on Israel and several Gulf nations hosting U.S. forces. As a result, multiple countries have closed their airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations.
Air Canada has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until March 8 and suspended service to Dubai until Tuesday, advising travellers in affected regions not to proceed to airports. Toronto’s Pearson International Airport has also warned passengers to check flight statuses before leaving home due to delays and cancellations caused by airspace closures.
Airspace above Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates has been shut down. Reports indicate injuries at Dubai International Airport and casualties at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi following drone strikes, with additional strikes reported at Kuwait International Airport. More than 1,800 flights were cancelled Sunday across the region, including in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt, and disruptions are expected to continue.
The Government of Canada is advising against all travel to several Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, Israel and Palestine, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iran, Syria and Yemen. Canadians are also warned to avoid non-essential travel to Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
While officials stress there is no immediate domestic threat, the unfolding conflict highlights how international events can quickly affect communities at home, from diaspora groups to travellers and businesses. Authorities continue to monitor developments closely as the situation evolves.