Sole Iranian Athlete Withdraws from Paralympics Amid Middle East Conflict

Iran’s only competitor at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games has been forced to withdraw due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed on March 6, 2026.

Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, 23, was scheduled to compete in two cross-country skiing events but “cannot travel safely to Italy” because of the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, IPC President Andrew Parsons said.

“It is really disappointing for world sport and especially for Aboulfazl that he is unable to compete at his third Paralympic Winter Games,” Parsons added. “To miss the Games due to factors beyond his control, after years of training and dedication, is heartbreaking.”

The IPC and Games organisers had explored alternative travel routes for the Iranian delegation following the outbreak of hostilities but ultimately determined that the risk to human life was too high. Khatibi Mianaei’s absence also means Iran’s flag will not appear in the athlete parade at the opening ceremony.

Parsons described the conflict as a “breach of the Olympic truce” and noted it is the third time in four Paralympic Winter Games that geopolitical tensions have disrupted participation, referencing Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its invasion of Ukraine in 2018.

The Paralympic Winter Games will continue across six sports at three sites in northern Italy until March 15, following the conclusion of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.