Why the Iranian diaspora is so bitterly divided — in Canada and abroad

Confrontations between pro- and anti-Iranian regime protesters at a rally in Toronto in March 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan Why the Iranian diaspora is so bitterly divided — in Canada and abroad Published: September 13, 2026 8.04am EDT Share article Print article Western democracies are currently witnessing a troubling rise in political violence and intimidation within segments of the Iranian diaspora, driven by deepening polarization among opponents of the Islamic Republic. These acts of violence are compounded by systemic patterns of targeted corporate harassment, doxxing and public intimidation by the Iranian regime across the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom. Hostility and hate incidents are escalating, but particular concern has focused on a fringe segment of monarchist supporters aligned with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former shah who has said he condemns the violence. These supporters have increasingly embraced ultra-nationalist and Islamophobic rhetoric, while seeking common cause with far-right movements in western countries. In light of Canadian Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s invitation to Pahlavi to visit Canada, addressing tensions and political violence within the Iranian diaspora has become a critical priority. Reza Pahlavi speaks during a news conference on Jan. 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Deep polarization The Iranian diaspora has mobilized heavily in response to domestic protests in Iran and the February 2026 Israeli-American military campaign. But rather than forming a united front for regime change in Tehran, the diaspora has grown deeply polarized, triggering multiple violent clashes across North America. Because the nationalist faction of the Pahlavi movement lacks formal political parties, independent media and self-sustaining funds, it relies heavily on populist appeal to build its movement. Far-right influence inside the pro-Pahlavi movement, alongside rising tensions due to the U.S.–Israeli war with Tehran, has created a volatile climate for attacks on Muslim institutions and for violence within the Iranian diaspora. Some Pahlavi supporters have adopted a nationalist and polarizing stance within the Iranian diaspora in the West. The movement has progressively distanced itself from pro-democracy groups and the broader “Woman, Life, Freedom” coalition that previously unified the opposition following the 2022 protests. Nationalist pro-Pahlavi supporters…