Iranians in Ottawa call on U.S. to step in as death toll from crackdown climbs

Iranians living in Ottawa demonstrate outside the U.S. Embassy on Jan. 13, 2026, amid a violent crackdown on protests in Iran. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

Members of Ottawa’s Iranian community gathered outside the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday, calling on the United States to take action, as reports emerge of a sharp rise in the death toll from Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests.

Activists say the number of people killed has increased dramatically, with the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting as many as 2,000 people have died and more than 16,000 people have been detained. Iran has not allowed independent verification of those figures.

The demonstrations in Ottawa are part of a broader wave of global protests, as Iranians abroad express solidarity with those inside the country and demand an end to the violence.

For many in Canada, the urgency is deeply personal.

With internet and phone service cut during the height of the protests, families outside Iran say they were left without any way to reach loved ones back home as police and security forces were deployed to suppress demonstrations.

“We still have no news from our family,” said Taha, who didn’t want to use his last name. “I have a younger brother, and I’m not sure if he is alive or safe. It’s been a very difficult day for us.”

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Others described scrolling through the limited videos emerging from Iran, searching desperately for familiar faces.

“There are videos of people lying dead in the street,” said demonstrator Nikan Nadimi. “All we do is zoom in, trying to see if we recognize someone.”

What began as demonstrations over Iran’s struggling economy has expanded into a nationwide anti-government movement.

As the situation deteriorated, demonstrations spread across Canada, including here in the nation’s capital. A rally was held on Parliament Hill on Sunday, calling on the Canadian government to stand with Iran. People then gathered outside the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday to amplify their message and call for the U.S. administration to take action.

“The dictators in Tehran must go,” said organizer Ehsan Mansouri. “We want a new government. We want democracy and freedom.”

The crackdown has drawn international condemnation and sharp rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Iranian patriots, keep protesting, take over your institutions!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protestors STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! President Donald J. Trump.”

“We’re not talking about another country invading Iran,” said demonstrator, Mona Esmaeilian. “We’re talking about the same regime killing its own people and losing legitimacy in the eyes of its citizens.”

For the first time in days, some Iranians were able to make limited phone calls abroad. However, reports indicate people outside the country were unable to call in, and Iran has not restored internet or text-messaging services.

Until communication is fully restored, members of Ottawa’s Iranian community say they remain in limbo, waiting and worrying for a call that may never come, while continuing to urge the U.S. to step in.

With files from The Associated Press

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