The IOC has voiced concern for Iranian athletes as a severe government crackdown follows months of protests that began in Tehran's Grand Bazaar. Rights group HRANA reports 6,373 dead and 42,486 arrested amid internet cuts and mass detentions. The IOC and international federations, including United World Wrestling, say they are monitoring athletes' safety and will seek to help where possible through quiet sport diplomacy.
IOC Expresses Concern For Iranian Athletes As Crackdown Escalates
FILE PHOTO: Protesters gather as vehicles burn, amid evolving anti-government unrest, in Tehran, Iran, in this screen grab obtained from a social media video released on January 9, 2026. Social Media/via REUTERS/File Photo
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Thursday said it is deeply concerned about the welfare of Iranian athletes as a nationwide security crackdown follows months of protests across Iran.
Background
What began last month as modest demonstrations over economic hardship in Tehran's Grand Bazaar has broadened into widespread anti-government protests, which sources describe as the most serious challenge to Iran's clerical leadership since 1979. Plainclothes security forces have detained thousands in a campaign rights groups call mass arrests and intimidation aimed at quelling dissent.
Authorities cut internet access and used heavy force to suppress the unrest. U.S.-based rights group HRANA reports a latest toll of 6,373 deaths and 42,486 arrests. Tehran has accused "armed terrorists" with alleged links to Israel and the United States of stoking violence.
IOC And International Federations Respond
The IOC said it is maintaining contact with Iran's Olympic community and is particularly concerned for athletes impacted by the unfolding events. Its statement, supported by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations and the Winter Olympic Federations, stressed the organisation's limited capacity to influence national or global political affairs but pledged to help where possible.
"At this moment in time, we are particularly concerned about the situation of Iranian athletes impacted by the events unfolding in their country - as we are with all athletes who face conflict and tragedies elsewhere in the world," the IOC said. "We have to be realistic about the IOC's ability to directly influence global and national affairs. At the same time, we will continue to work with our Olympic stakeholders to help where we can, often through quiet sport diplomacy."
United World Wrestling (UWW) said it has received multiple communications about the safety of four Iranian wrestlers and is seeking reliable information. London-based Iran International reported that 19-year-old wrestler Shahab Fallahpour was killed by security forces in Andimeshk during protests.
Sporting bodies reiterated they cannot directly change political decisions but emphasised their commitment to protecting athletes and upholding fundamental sporting values.
Reporting: Karolos Grohmann; Writing: Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru.
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