Iran’s flag removed from Paralympics opening ceremony after sole athlete withdraws over travel safety concerns

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Two-time ParalympianAboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Iran has withdrawn from the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, citing an inability to travel amid the ongoing U.S.and Israeli joint military campaign against Iran.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced Mianaei’s withdrawal hours before the opening ceremony Friday, adding that because of the withdrawal,Iran’sflag would be removed from the Athletes Parade.

Iran’s Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei and Ukraine’s Serafym Drahun compete in the men’s middle distance free technique standing para cross-country skiing final at the Zhangjiakou National Biathlon Centre during the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games March 12, 2022.(Mohd Rasfan/AFP)

“It is really disappointing for world sport and especially for Aboulfazl that he is unable totravel safelyto compete at his third Paralympic Winter Games at Milano Cortina 2026,” IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a statement.

Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei competes at Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics

Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei of Iran competes in the men’s middle-distance free technique standing at the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympics at Zhangjiakou National Biathlon Centre in Zhangjiakou, China, March 12, 2022.(Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)

Iranian athletes have come into the spotlight since the U.S.and Israel launched joint military strikes against the country, prompting Iran to launch counterstrikes at other Middle Eastern nations and U.S.facilities abroad.

The Iranian women’ssoccerteam made headlines after making what many believed to be a silent protest against the regime when players remained quiet during the playing of their national anthem before the squad’s opening match at the Women’s Asian Cup last week.

Islamic Republic of Iran players line up for the national anthems prior to an AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 match between Islamic Republic of Iran and the Australia Matildas at Gold Coast Stadium in Gold Coast, Australia, March 5, 2026.(Albert Perez/Getty Images)

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Days later, before their match against Australia, the women’s team both sang and saluted their anthem.Iranian fans in the stands voiced their support for PresidentDonald Trumpand a free Iran, waving pro-Islamic Revolution flags while others held up signs with letters spelling Trump’s name.

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