IOC Appeals For Support For Athletes From War-Affected Nations, Avoids Naming Iran Strikes

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 23:20 IST

The IOC urges support for athletes from war-affected nations at the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, without addressing the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called for “support" for athletes travelling from war-affected nations to the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, but stopped short of directly addressing the escalating US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The Paralympic Games open Friday in Verona, less than a week after violence flared in the Middle East. Without naming specific countries, the IOC acknowledged a “world shaken by conflict, division and tragedy" in an official statement.

The governing body reiterated that it has “no means of enforcing" the Olympic Truce — a non-binding resolution adopted by the United Nations last November.

Inspired by the ancient Greek tradition of guaranteeing safe passage for athletes, the truce was intended to ensure that all qualified competitors for both the Winter Olympics and the upcoming Winter Paralympics could travel safely to Italy.

“We therefore appeal to all UN Member States to support athletes who have qualified for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympics, and who may be affected by the most recent conflicts, in their journey to these Games," the IOC said.

When approached for further clarification, an IOC spokesperson confirmed the organisation would not comment specifically on the Israeli-American strikes against Iran or Tehran’s retaliatory actions in the Gulf.

A Measured Response and a Contrast

The IOC’s restrained tone marks a clear departure from its reaction to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago. At that time, the body swiftly condemned “the violation of the Olympic Truce by the Russian government and by the Belarusian government that supports it."

It is recommended that international federations cancel events in both countries and exclude their flags: measures that remain in place.

Russian and Belarusian athletes were initially barred from international competition before being readmitted under a neutral flag and strict conditions.

With global tensions once again threatening the spirit of unity the Games seek to embody, the IOC has chosen a cautious path: urging cooperation, but avoiding direct political confrontation.

(with AFP inputs)

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