Former Canadian Minister Irwin Cotler Reveals Foiled Iranian Assassination Attempt

Irwin Cotler, Canada's former justice minister, claims he was the target of a foiled Iranian assassination attempt as confirmed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The threat, which highlighted Iran's ongoing tensions with critics, was discussed following a recent U.S. indictment related to a separate Iranian plot.

Irwin Cotler, an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime and former justice minister in Canada, has disclosed a recent foiled assassination attempt against him, which he claims was orchestrated by Iranian agents. The threat was communicated to him by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in late October, notifying Cotler of an imminent danger involving two suspects allegedly linked to the Islamic Republic.

The Globe and Mail first reported the attempted assassination on October 30, citing an unnamed source before Cotler's office subsequently confirmed the information. The RCMP has provided little detail regarding their protective measures, but it has been established that Cotler received notice on October 26 that he faced potential fatal repercussions within 48 hours from Iranian operatives.

Following the heightened threat level, Mr. Cotler has reportedly been under constant protection, reinforced post the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel, a geopolitical event that elevated concerns regarding Iranian actions. Over the past year, he has been provided with heavy security, including armored vehicles and armed personnel, as Canadian intelligence identified him as a prominent Iranian target.

Cotler, who served as justice minister and attorney general from 2003 to 2006, has long advocated for labeling the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Canada formally designated the IRGC as such earlier this year following Cotler’s prolonged efforts against the group. The former parliament member also has connections with Iranian political prisoners and strong bonds with Israel; his daughter is an Israeli politician.

This assassination revelation comes amid escalating tensions, as U.S. authorities recently charged an Afghan national involved in a different Iranian plot, intended to assassinate then-Presidential candidate Donald Trump. The Iranian foreign ministry addressed the allegations directed at Tehran, branding them as "baseless" while warning of the risks such claims pose for U.S.-Iran relations. Amidst these reports, the international community watches closely as threats proliferate amid this contentious backdrop.