Canada is raising concerns over potential threats from Iranian sleeper cells targeting critics of Tehran on Canadian soil. Public Safety Canada has upgraded its national terrorism threat level to “medium,” signaling that authorities consider violent extremist attacks a realistic possibility amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler and other human rights advocates have warned Iran may be preparing “transnational repression” against its diaspora and regime opponents abroad. Cotler, under constant Royal Canadian Mounted Police protection since 2023, said the Iranian regime could target Canadians known for speaking against Tehran. He emphasized that “the threat is greater than we appreciate” and urged the government to create a dedicated agency to counter such foreign assassination plots.
Intelligence assessments include reports of IRGC-aligned agents operating covertly in Canada. Experts warn sleeper cells may be activated if Iran faces setbacks in its conflict with Israel or the U.S., especially amid recent airstrikes. Iranian-born human rights lawyer Kaveh Shahrooz has stated that the presence of IRGC operatives in Canada is likely underestimated.
Canada’s protective response includes increased vigilance by national security agencies and preventative monitoring. Cotler argues this situation mirrors prior incidents—such as 2008 assassination plans targeting dissidents in the U.S.—and calls for coordinated international tracking and prosecutorial efforts.
This emerging threat highlights a shift in Iran’s tactics from conventional military action to covert international repression. Canadian officials are under pressure to adopt more robust countermeasures to protect exiled critics and uphold national sovereignty against state-backed targeting.
