Shirin Mortazavi and her family established Lavender Pastry in Westboro just over a year ago, following their departure from Iran due to oppression and economic challenges. Upon hearing about the U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Iran early Saturday, Mortazavi cautiously expressed optimism, believing it could lead to liberation for the Iranian people. Some members of Ottawa’s Iranian community share this sentiment, viewing the attacks as a potential turning point, while others are concerned about exacerbating civilian hardships.
Mortazavi expressed hope that the airstrikes would bring an end to the longstanding authoritarian regime in Iran, emphasizing the populace’s peaceful attempts to demand change. Iran has witnessed a period of unrest lasting about two months, marked by widespread protests against the government and economic downturn. Mortazavi highlighted the Iranians’ determination to uproot the existing government and viewed the airstrikes as a potential catalyst for transformation.
In contrast, other Iranian community members in Ottawa emphasized that lasting political reforms must originate from within Iran itself. Shahram Golestaneh, director of the Iran Democratic Association in Canada, gathered Iranian Canadians near Parliament Hill to underscore the people’s call for change through recent protests in Iran. While acknowledging the necessity for change, Golestaneh expressed concerns about the motives behind the military actions and the potential for civilian casualties.
However, not all Iranian Canadians in Ottawa support the military intervention. Mehdi Fallahi, host of Ottawa Persian Radio on CKCU, disapproved of the war, highlighting its adverse impact on innocent lives and infrastructure. Fallahi, who was deeply saddened by the news, expressed worries about the prolonged consequences of the conflict on ordinary citizens.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the airstrikes as part of a massive ongoing operation to dismantle Iran’s military and overthrow its government. Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced support for U.S. initiatives to halt Iran’s nuclear program and advised Canadians in Iran to seek shelter. The Ottawa Police Service informed residents via social media about monitoring the evolving situation in Iran and the potential increase in police presence near religious institutions.
Overall, the Iranian diaspora in Ottawa remains divided in their responses to the airstrikes targeting Iran, reflecting a spectrum of viewpoints within the community.