Canadian citizen dies in Iran amid anti-government protests, minister says

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, a Canadian citizen has died in Iran amid anti-government protests.

In a post on X, Anand says the Canadian died in Iran at the hands of Iranian authorities, adding that consular officials are in contact with the victim’s family in Canada.

I have just learned that a Canadian citizen has died in Iran at the hands of the Iranian authorities. Our consular officials are in contact with the victim’s family in Canada and my deepest condolences are with them at this time. Peaceful protests by the Iranian people – asking…

— Anita Anand (@AnitaAnandMP) January 15, 2026

Protests over the sharp rise in the cost of living began more than two weeks ago and have since spread across Iran, despite the government’s violent response.

Anand says the Iranian government’s reaction to the peaceful protests shows a flagrant disregard for human life. She adds that Canada condemns the violence, calling for it to end immediately.

Canadians have been advised by Global Affairs to avoid traveling to Iran for more than a decade. On Tuesday, that advisory was updated to note the “ongoing nationwide demonstrations,” urging Canadians currently in Iran to leave as soon as possible.

With files from The Canadian Press.

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