Iran Paralympic Athlete Withdraws Due to Safety Concerns Amid Ongoing US-Israel Military Campaign

Iran flag removed from Paralympics opening ceremony after sole athlete withdraws over travel safety concerns, citing an inability to travel amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli joint military campaign again in Iran. The sole Iranian athlete, two-time Paralympian Aboulfazl Khatibi Mianaei, made the decision due to the risks involved in traveling to Italy for the 2026 Winter Games. As a result, the Iranian flag was removed from the opening ceremony of the Paralympics. This marks the first time an athlete has withdrawn from the Paralympic Games over security concerns.