**Title: Canada Urged to Support Iranian Opposition Amid Regime Weakness**

As tensions rise in the Middle East, the Iranian regime faces increasing isolation and pressure. This comes as leaders, including Donald Trump, gathered in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to discuss regional issues. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, expressed frustration over the situation, claiming that normalization of ties has only been exploited by the Zionist regime to justify its actions in Gaza. Despite being invited, Iran chose not to attend the summit.

The U.S. has intensified its campaign against Iran, aiming to reduce its oil exports to zero. Recently, new sanctions were imposed on 90 individuals and entities involved in illicit oil and gas trade, which is crucial for Iran's economy. Additionally, G7 foreign ministers, including those from Canada, announced the reimposition of United Nations sanctions, citing Iran's violations of the 2015 nuclear deal.

Reports from within Iran indicate severe economic distress, with mass layoffs, soaring inflation at 40%, and a depreciating currency. The country is grappling with water shortages in summer and gas supply issues in winter, leading to widespread power outages. The cost of basic food items has surged beyond the minimum wage, which has plummeted from $180 a month in March to under $130.

The Iranian government is aware of the potential backlash from these economic strains. In 2019, a significant increase in gasoline prices led to widespread protests, which were met with a violent crackdown that resulted in over 100 deaths. In response to its vulnerabilities, the regime often seeks to suppress dissent both domestically and internationally.

Advocates argue that countries like Canada should amplify the voices of the Iranian people and hold the regime accountable for its actions. One notable case is that of Reza Khandan, a political prisoner detained for opposing compulsory hijab laws. His wife, Nasrin Sofoudeh, is a human rights lawyer who previously served seven years in prison for defending citizens' rights. Khandan remains defiant, advocating for freedom of expression and the release of political prisoners.

Canada is urged to increase pressure on Iran and demand Khandan's release. Additionally, there is a call for a comprehensive government effort to prevent Iran from establishing a foothold in Canada. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was designated a terrorist organization in July 2024, and efforts are underway to ensure that Canada does not become a refuge for Iranian officials.

The Canada Border Services Agency is currently investigating 66 individuals suspected of being high-ranking officials from Iran. Reports suggest that there are approximately 700 regime-linked individuals in Canada, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police acknowledging incidents of foreign interference directed by the Iranian government.

A coalition of lawyers and volunteers, known as StopIRGC, has reported 92 cases of concern to law enforcement. Furthermore, Canada’s intelligence agency has warned that Iran may employ criminal gangs to target its critics in Canada. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service is investigating threats against journalists associated with Iran International, a Persian-language media outlet.

Despite these challenges, experts like Vancouver-based lawyer Mojdeh Shahriari emphasize the need for increased action against the Iranian regime. She stated, "The regime has never been this weak; it has been weakened to the point of collapse. Unfortunately, the Western world still thinks you can negotiate with it and contain it. But it cannot be reformed. There are no moderates. It is past time to help the Iranian people topple this regime."